LIV Golf star Dustin Johnson will start his 2026 debut in Dubai at the Desert Classic where he will search for the crown amongst Ryder Cup stars in the $9 million move
13:09 ET, 10 Dec 2025Updated 13:10 ET, 10 Dec 2025
Dustin Johnson starting off 2026 in Dubai(Image: Getty Images)
Dustin Johnson, who was once the best player in the world, has signed himself up for a $9 million DP World Tour event.
The 41-year-old LIV Golf star is one of the most notable names in the field for the Dubai Desert Classic, as he plans to start his 2026 season on the DP World Tour. The Rolex Series Event will happen two weeks before his first LIV appearance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and it’ll be the first time the former world No. 1 tees off out of the Emirates Golf Club.
It comes with a four-time PGA Tour winner in talks to join LIV Golf, and shortly after Johnson also made a Team USA plea after delivering his Ryder Cup verdict.
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“I’m really looking forward to playing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time,” said Johnson. “I’ve heard great things about the event and Emirates Golf Club. When you look at past champions like Seve, Tiger and Rory, you know it’s a really prestigious tournament with incredible history.
“I’m excited to compete for the Dallah Trophy and be part of what is always a world-class field.”
Johnson has 26 PGA Tour wins including a 2020 Master’s win at Augusta National, and will compete alongside Ryder Cup stars Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood, and grand slam winner Rory McIlroy.
Simon Corkill, the tournament director, said he’s excited to see some of the best compete.
Tyrrell Hatton will be in the field as the defending champion at the Dubai Desert Classic
“To welcome three global superstars of this calibre to the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is incredibly exciting,” said Corkill. “With this being Dustin’s first professional tour event in Dubai, we’re thrilled to showcase Emirates Golf Club to one of the game’s biggest names. Alongside Tyrrell, Tommy and Rory, the quality and depth of our field continues to strengthen as we head into what promises to be an exceptional 37th edition.”
Ryder Cup star and 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry will also tee off, as he is making his first start at the event since 2023. Viktor Hovland will compete for the first place prize, and said the tournament is one of his favorites.
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“Winning here in 2022 was really cool, and it’s always a great place to start the year,” said Hovland. “The tournament is one of the highlights of the season – great golf course, great weather, and I’m looking forward to competing for the trophy again.”
Hatton is making his 11th career appearance at the event in Dubai, as he will look to defend his trophy.
“I’m delighted to be heading back to Emirates Golf Club to defend my title. It’s a course that really suits my game, and my win there was incredibly special,” said Hatton. “It’s always great to return to a place where you’ve tasted success, and I’m excited to have another chance to contend for the title after an incredible year.”
