Rory McIlroy is making his 2025 debut in the desert. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Rory McIlroy’s twin wins at the Emirates Golf Club in the past two years could scarcely have evoked more contrasting responses. When he defended his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title last year, he was a picture of contentment.

Rory McIlroy chasing record fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic and third in as many years; Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood all feature at the Rolex Series event; watch live on Thursday from 4am

A determined Tyrrell Hatton looks good value to topple McIlroy, Rahm and the rest of the Dubai Desert Classic field this week. He scored three and a half points from four matches in the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi, warming up nicely for Dubai.

Viktor Hovland is deep in the Nashville swing instructor scene. His new instructor, TJ Yeaton, is based out of Belle Meade. Big step up for him. He sent me a video breakdown of my swing Saturday. Now he’s working with Hovland. pic.twitter.com/Rr77j1ywaU

Golf betting expert Dave Tindall's three first-round leader tips for the Dubai Desert Classic 2025 including Paul Waring at 60/1 this week on the Betfair Sportsbook