While the 2026 PGA Tour season continues this week at the 2026 Sony Open, the tour’s biggest star, Rory McIlroy, is not on the field. But his season starts this week as well, even though it’s in the middle of the country.
As usual, McIlroy made his first start of the year on the DP World Tour, this time at the Dubai Invitational. And he doesn’t waste time fixing rust. McIlroy is within striking distance of the lead heading into the final round.
Here’s what you need to know.
McIlroy, Lowry hunt at Dubai Invitational
McIlroy isn’t the only star player making his 2026 debut at this week’s Dubai Invitational. His friend and European Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry is too.
And both players will have a shot at victory on Sunday.
McIlroy, sporting new equipment, shot out of the gates on Thursday with a 66. He took a few steps back with a 74 in Round 2, but then followed with a 68 on Saturday at the Dubai Creek Resort course.
That leaves Rory at five under, just three shots off the lead held by Nacho Elvira and one shot out of second place with 18 holes to go.
Lowry did better. Strong rounds of 69-68-70 have Lowry at 6 under, just two shots behind Elvira.
Should Lowry win, it would represent his first DP World Tour victory since 2022.
“That’s why I get up in the morning,” Lowry explained after his round. “Try my best. Working as hard as I can, and yes, hopefully it will come soon.”
McIlroy describes impressive first season record
It’s hard to argue with McIlroy’s strategy of starting his seasons in the Middle East playing DP World Tour events when you look at his results.
McIlroy will be hunting a stunning fifth Dubai victory on Sunday.
As the reporter pointed out to the five-time winner after his Saturday round, McIlroy has racked up 15 top-five scores in his first start in 20 years.
After his round, McIlroy revealed why he thinks he’s had so much success early in the season.
“I would say the opportunity to work on other things if you have a little time off over the Christmas period, then I think the enthusiasm to start the new year and start fresh,” McIlroy said in a post-round interview.
In addition, McIlroy explained that his comfort with DP World Tour events, and this tournament in Dubai in particular, helps him to do his best.
“I’ve always loved coming out here in the Middle East and Dubai and playing these tournaments, even since I was a teenager. I played a couple of Desert Classics as a freshman. So I’ve been coming here, jeez, for over 20 years thinking about this time,” McIlroy said. “So it’s a place where I’m comfortable, I’ve made a lot of friends here along the way, and I’m always excited to start my year in Dubai.”
If McIlroy pulls off Sunday’s comeback and wins, he will represent his 21st DP World Tour victory and give him a head start in his quest for the 2026 Race to Dubai.
