Defending Champion Hatton set to defend Hero Dubai Desert Classic title

European Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton will return to Emirates Golf Club to defend his title at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from January 22-25.

Hatton will tee it up in the event for the 11th time in his career and joins reigning Masters Champion and career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy for the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai.

The eight-time DP World Tour winner fired four under par rounds at Emirates Golf Club in January to win the famous Dallah trophy by one-stroke, earning a second Rolex Series victory of his career.

Eager to defend his title, Hatton remarked how significant the Dubai classic is for his career, stating that the Emirates Golf Club is a "course that has really suited my game over the years, and the week at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic back in January was incredibly special for me".

“It’s always good to go back to a place where you’ve won before, and I’m really excited to have a chance to contend for the title again to follow on from what has been a pretty incredible year.”

Hatton’s Desert Classic win in January followed a fourth tie finish at the US Open and a top 20 finish at both The Masters and the 153rd Open Championship, qualifying him for his fourth Ryder Cup appearance.  

The Cup champion secured the half point that sealed the win for Europe in the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, as he and McIlroy helped their side to defeat the United States 15-13 and record a first away win since 2012.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic now faces limited availability on early bird tickets across most categories, with fans encouraged to book soon before they run out.  

General admission remains free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend access available from AED 75 during the early bird window, AED 100 pre-event, and AED 125 on the day. Children aged 17 and under can attend free of charge across all four days.