Rory McIlroy confirms the first golf tournament he will play in 2026, ‘I’m excited’

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Rory McIlroy has just continued his busy season on the DP World Tour, having taken on the DP World India Championship.

McIlroy was told he had an advantage at the DP World India Championship, but he seemingly couldn’t capitalise on it as he finished T26.

The Northern Irishman finished his week at Delhi Golf Club on 11-under, 11 shots behind champion Tommy Fleetwood.

Fleetwood won the DP World India Championship by two shots after a strong finish, with Keita Nakajima finishing second.

The DP World Tour continues this week with the Korea Championship, although neither McIlroy nor Fleetwood is in the field.

Rory McIlroy confirms the first tournament he will play in 2026

The Ryder Cup duo are, however, linked when it comes to one tournament at the beginning of next season.

As per the DP World Tour website, McIlroy will play his first event of 2026 at the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort.

Speaking of his upcoming appearance, he said: “I’m excited to be starting my year in Dubai. The UAE is a place where I’ve enjoyed a lot of great weeks, and I’m sure this will be no different.

“Dubai Creek Resort was a fantastic host venue two years ago, and Abdulla (Tournament Host Abdulla Al Naboodah) and his team put on an incredible event.

“I came very close to winning that week, so I’m hoping 2026 will be another really good year for me – and to start strong in the Middle East would be the perfect way to get it underway.”

Fleetwood meanwhile is already confirmed for the tournament, which he won by a single shot over McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence in 2024.

Comparing the 2025 PGA Tour seasons of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood added the DP World Tour playoffs to his schedule following his success in Delhi, having shot up the Race to Dubai rankings.

He currently occupies 25th place in the standings, while his Ryder Cup teammate McIlroy is at the very top of the pile.

READ MORE: Rory McIlroy confirms when he could be Europe’s Ryder Cup captain as he says he’d like the role

Both players have played just nine DP World Tour events this season, which highlights just how impressive they have been, particularly leader McIlroy.

Along with his three successes at the PGA Tour, the Northern Irishman clinched the title at the Irish Open.

He also played a crucial role as Europe won the Ryder Cup against the USA, despite McIlroy being heavily abused by American fans at Bethpage Black.

Fleetwood, however, topped the points list for the entire tournament, while he also claimed his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship.