Rory McIlroy is excited to start 2025 in one of his 'favorite cities' in the Middle East

Rory McIlroy has confirmed his participation in the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The DP World Tour event will be held at the Emirates Golf Club in Al Thanyah Third, Dubai from January 16 to 19, 2025. The tournament has a $9 million prize pool.

The news was announced on X by the official account of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic:

"Rory’s back! Ready to defend his title, Rory McIlroy returns for the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic!"

The World No. 2 golfer quoted the post and expressed his excitement, saying:

"Starting 2025 in one of my favorite cities!"

Mcllroy also had this to say about his participation in the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Wednesday (via European Tour):

"I'm thrilled to be returning to the Emirates Golf Club for the 2025 event. This is a tournament I relish playing and continuing my run here by adding a fifth title would be really special and an ideal way to kick off 2025.

"The support we get in Dubai is always fantastic, it’s an incredible course with a great atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to what is always a competitive event."

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said:

"We are delighted that Rory is returning to the Emirates Golf Club in January, in what promises to be another exciting tournament. Rory will be joined by a world-class list of golfers, fighting for their place on our distinguished Roll of Honour."

Rory McIlroy has an unbelievable record at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He has won the tournament four times. His first victory came in 2009 when he won over Justin Rose by one stroke. His second victory came in 2015 when he won over Alex Noren by three strokes.

In 2023, McIlroy won the tournament over Patrick Reed by one stroke. In 2024, he won over Poland's Adrian Meronk, also by one stroke.

In 14 starts at the tournament, McIlroy has had four wins and 10 top-10 finishes. He will return to defend his title at the 36th edition of the tournament.

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A look at Rory McIlroy's performance in 2024

Rory McIlroy has had a long 2024 season. Overall, he has had three wins: one on the DP World Tour and two on the PGA Tour. In 19 starts on PGA Tour, he has had two wins and seven top-10 finishes. In 10 starts on the DP World Tour including Majors, he has had one win and four runner-up finishes.

Let's take a look at Rory McIlroy's performances in the 2024 season:

2023-24 DP World Tournaments

• Dubai Invitational: T2 (62-70-67-67, 266, -18)
• Hero Dubai Desert Classic: 1 (71-70-63-70, 274, -14)
• Amgen Irish Open: 2 (68-70-69-69, 276, -8)
• BMW PGA Championship: T2-y (67-68-66-67, 268, -20)
• Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: T25 (69-69-68-68, 274, -14)

2024 OLY Golf (M) Tournaments

• Olympic Men's Golf Competition: T5 (68-69-66-66, 269, -15)

2024 PGA TOUR Tournaments

• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: T66 (71-74-69, 214, -2)
• The Genesis Invitational: T24 (74-66-69-70, 279, -5)
• Cognizant Classic: T21 (67-67-72-68, 274, -10)
• Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard: T21 (73-70-68-76, 287, -1)
• THE PLAYERS Championship: T19 (65-73-69-72, 279, -9)
• Valero Texas Open: 3 (69-70-72-66, 277, -11)
• Masters Tournament: T22 (71-77-71-73, 292, +4)
• RBC Heritage: T33 (67-68-68-74, 277, -7)
• Wells Fargo Championship: 1 (67-68-67-65, 267, -17)
• PGA Championship: T12 (66-71-68-67, 272, -12)
• RBC Canadian Open: T4 (66-72-65-64, 267, -13)
• the Memorial Tournament pres. by Workday: T15 (70-71-73-76, 290, +2)
• U.S. Open: 2 (65-72-69-69, 275, -5)
• Genesis Scottish Open: T4 (65-66-67-68, 266, -14)
• The Open: Missed Cut (78-75, 153, +11)
• FedEx St. Jude Championship: T68 (68-73-74-74, 289, +9)
• BMW Championship: T11 (70-71-70-71, 282, -6)
• TOUR Championship: T9 (69-69-68-66, 272, -16)