Insha'Allah, Ryder Cup Star Tyrrell Hatton to Defend His Dubai Desert Classic Title

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh! The defending champion and European Ryder Cup player, Tyrrell Hatton, is preparing to return to the Emirates Golf Club for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic early next year, Insha'Allah. Hatton will participate in this prestigious event, scheduled from January 22-25, marking the 11th time he competes there. He will join fellow great Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, for the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai. Hatton aims to carry forward the strong spirit he showed at the Ryder Cup, where he earned the crucial half-point that secured Europe's victory over Team USA with a 15-13 score at Bethpage Black. This was Europe's first away win since 2012, Alhamdulillah. He holds special memories of the Dubai Desert Classic, having won it last January in a thrilling finish, clinching the Dallah Trophy with a confident five-foot putt for par on the final hole. Hatton also had impressive performances with a tied-fourth place at the US Open and top 20 finishes at both The Masters and The Open, which helped him qualify for his fourth Ryder Cup. An eight-time winner on the DP World Tour, Hatton expressed his happiness to return: “I’m truly grateful to come back to Emirates Golf Club to defend my title. This course suits my game well, and the week I spent at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic was very special for me. It feels great to revisit a place where I’ve been successful before, and I’m excited for another chance to compete for the title after a remarkable year.” Now in its 37th edition, the Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest professional golf tournament in the Middle East and a key Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour. Besides the golf, spectators can enjoy a lively festival atmosphere at Tournament Town, featuring live entertainment, family-friendly activities, delicious food trucks, arts and crafts, and interactive experiences suitable for all ages. General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend tickets starting from just Dh75 during the early bird period, Dh100 for pre-event, and Dh125 on the day. Children aged 17 and under can attend free of charge all four days. Early bird prices are also available for premium hospitality options like The Dallah Lounge and The Social on Sixteen. The event has been GEO-certified for the third year running, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. For 2026, the tournament will focus on greener transport options for fans, encouraging use of the nearby metro and easy taxi services to promote an eco-friendly journey to the Emirates Golf Club. Simon Corkill, the executive tournament director, shared: “As one of the premier events on the global golf calendar, we are thrilled that Tyrrell is coming back to defend his title. He joins a strong lineup of Ryder Cup stars, Masters champions, and promising new talent. “As the tournament approaches, we’ve expanded our premium experiences both on and off the course to complement the great golf, ensuring next year’s event will be truly special.” For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased through the official Dubai Desert Classic website. May Allah bless all the players and attendees with success and safety. Ameen.