Rory McIlroy makes early announcement about his 2026 season

After ending his unforgettable season with a well-deserved celebration at Ireland’s UNESCO heritage site, Giant’s Causeway, Rory McIlroy wasted no time in scheduling his next chapter.

The world No. 2 and reigning Masters champion is set to kick off his 2026 season with an expected return to Dubai, teeing up at the second edition of the Dubai Invitational.

This move feels like a natural continuation, especially considering how he approached the ongoing season.

This year, McIlroy skipped the signature season opener, The Sentry, in Hawaii and instead began his season at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he finished in the top four. 

“I’m excited to be starting my year in Dubai,” McIlroy told the DP World Tour. “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 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.”

But 2026 promises to be even more historic.

Unlike this year, where McIlroy’s ultimate goal was the Masters jacket, the coming season will see him tee up in Dubai not only as the Ryder Cup winner but also as a grand slam champion.

Back in April, McIlroy became the first European ever to claim all four modern majors, adding the Masters to his list alongside the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and The Open in 2014. 

The five-time major also created history by becoming the first player to carry the green jacket in India during his recent appearance at the DP World India Championship.

Also coming up, the Northern Irishman will compete in the upcoming TGL events representing the Boston Common Golf team and is scheduled for the highly anticipated match against Tiger Woods, who is expected to return after a recent back surgery.

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