MAJOR MAJLIS MATCHUPS
By
World Number Three Rory McIlroy will be looking to launch his 2025 season off with a bang by defending his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he has the chance to make further history in the $9 million Rolex Series event.
The Northern Irishman, who has already triumphed at this event in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024, is aiming for an unprecedented fifth Dallah trophy, making him the firstever five-time winner of the regions oldest event on the DP World Tour.
“It’s always been nice to start my year in Dubai. It’s something that I’ve done most of my professional career,” said McIlroy.
“There’s a couple of times where obviously when Abu Dhabi was at the start of the season, and this was usually the second event. But the last couple years to come here to Dubai, open the season, have success, obviously it’s really nice to get off to a strong start to the season, and I’ve been able to do that the last couple years. And obviously that’s the plan again this year.”
“I love the thick rough. I love the setup of the golf course. The greens are quite a bit firmer today than they were on Monday. So as the week goes on, I think it’s going
to be a great test of golf, which I think we all want to play and I think that’s what you all want to watch.”
However, McIlroy won’t be given an easy ride. Twotime Major champion and 2023 Masters winner, Jon Rahm, is making his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut this week. The Spaniard has already established himself as a force in Dubai, with three wins at the DP World Tour Championship (2017, 2019, 2022) and a Race to Dubai title in 2019. Rahm’s victory as the Individual winner in the 2024 LIV Golf League, solidifies his place as one of the game’s elite players.
“I’m glad that I have this opening to come and enjoy this great event and hopefully do aswell as I have so far in Dubai,” Rahm commented.
“It’s a city that I love. It’s a city that is worth coming to. It’s probably, the great vibe I have when I come here, is the reason why I have played so well. I’m getting comfortable with some of the lines off the tee; comfortable with some of the shots into the green, and just quickly seeing where I think I would be best off if I were to make a mistake.”
The pair have shared many battles in recent years, and with both in form, this year’s 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic promises to deliver more fireworks.
Adam Bresnu
The highly-rated Moroccan amateur is flying the Arab flag. PAGE 5
Lights, camera, action
The Creators Dubai Desert Classic were in focus on the Majlis. PAGE 10
Daily Diary with Otaegui
The Dubai resident is all set for his home event. PAGE 12
Tournament Town
Away from the golf, there’s plenty more to activities to do. PAGE 15
DRAW SHEET & COURSE
8-9
Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
AND OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
The highly anticipated Hero Dubai Desert Classic is finally here!
My Namaskar and a very Happy New Year!
What a thrilling way to kick off 2025—with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic leading the charge! I hope this year brings you endless joy, exciting opportunities, and resounding success—just like the energy and excellence this iconic tournament embodies.
At Hero MotoCorp, we are driven by a passion for sports and a commitment to fostering greatness. As one of the world’s largest promoters of multidisciplinary sports, we are immensely proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the third consecutive year.
This isn’t just a tournament—it’s a legacy! As the first Rolex Series event of 2025, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a showcase of brilliance, determination, and the unyielding spirit of golf. Through marquee tournaments like the Hero World Challenge, the Hero Indian Open, the Hero Women’s Indian Open and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Hero MotoCorp celebrates excellence, nurtures talent, and inspires the champions of tomorrow.
Fondly called “The Major of the Middle East”, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the region’s oldest and most prestigious golf tournament, beloved by fans worldwide. This year, the stage is set for yet another unforgettable showdown, featuring the world’s best golfers, including our two-time defending champion, Rory McIlroy. Having already claimed this title four times, Rory is returning with his eyes set on a historic fifth win—and a third consecutive victory.
But that’s not all! Joining him are stars like Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and an impressive lineup of Ryder Cup captains and hopefuls, ensuring edge-of-yourseat action. Adding to the excitement, past champions of the Hero Indian Open, including reigning champion Keita Nakajima, and former winners Marcel Siem and Matt Wallace, will also grace the greens.
This is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of grit, glory, and golf! I invite you and your families to join us at the stunning Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, where worldclass golf meets warm hospitality, vibrant entertainment, and memories waiting to be made.
Let’s cheer for the champions, feel the thrill, and witness history. Celebrate golf, competition, and new legends at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025!
Best,
DR PAWAN MUNJAL Executive Chairman,
The weather for the week at Emirates Golf Club looks ideal for everyone involved in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Temperature highs look to be sitting around the mid 20s all week, with a sunshine and clear skies book-ending the tournament and some scattered light clouds on Friday and Saturday. As always, don’t forget your SPF and make sure you stay hydrated when out on the course with the free water-filling stations!
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest DP World Tour event outside of continental Europe.
BY HARRY GRIMSHAW
WORLD-CLASS FIELD
The field at this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic features an impressive array of runners, including Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Min Woo Lee, Robert MacIntyre, and Adam Scott, all vying for a slice of the $9 million prize pot.
Dubai-resident Fleetwood, will be making his 14th consecutive appearance at the Majlis Course, as the Englishman, who has enjoyed weighty success in the UAE with back-to-back titles in Abu Dhabi in 2017 and 2018, is eager to keep the momentum going.
“I always enjoy starting my season in the Middle East, and having played the Hero Dubai Desert Classic every year since I came out on Tour, it’s become a tournament that I love,” Fleetwood said. “I absolutely love the golf course. I just haven’t managed to put myself in a position to contend for this tournament yet but I will continue to try.”
Joining him is Scotland’s highest ranked golfer, Robert MacIntyre. With two top10 finishes in four previous appearances in this event, MacIntyre is hopeful that his history at Emirates Golf Club will help him to a strong start in the 2025 season.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to the Emirates Golf Club in January,” MacIntyre said. “It’s a place where I’ve played well before, and it would be great to start the new season with another strong performance.”
Tyrrell Hatton, who secured his seventh DP World Tour title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October,
is also teeing it up. With four top-10 finishes at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and a triumph in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Hatton knows what it takes to succeed in the Middle East and is looking to collect his fifth Rolex Series title.
“I always enjoy coming to Dubai and playing at the Emirates Golf Club,” Hatton shared. “I’ve had success in the region before, so I’m excited to get 2025 off to a strong start in the desert.”
The 2013 Masters Champion Adam Scott, is a two-time winner in Qatar and after a tied third-place in November’s
ABOVE: Rory McIlroy is going for his fifth Dallah trophy.
BOTTOM LEFT: Dubai resident Tommy Fleetwood is making his 14th consecutive appearance.
BELOW: Jon Rahm is making his debut at Emirates Golf Club.
RIGHT: Viktor Hovland, winner of the 2022 edition.
DP World Tour Championship, the Australian (above) is strongly eager to build on that form at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week.
“It’s always been an enjoyable experience when I’ve been able to add the Hero Dubai Desert Classic to my early season schedule,” Scott said. “I’ll be aiming to continue the good form I ended 2024 with and see how far it takes me.”
Rising American star Akshay Bhatia (below) is making his debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The decorated amateur, turned professional in 2019 and has already notched victories
on both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, including the 2023 Barracuda Championship and the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
“Having the opportunity to bring my game overseas is really cool,” Bhatia said. “Add in the likes of Rory and Rahm, and you’ve got such a great field, so I know it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m excited to be part of those guys.”
With an impressive cast of contenders ready to make their move, the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is set up to be one of the most exciting editions of the event to date.
I“It’s an honour for me to be here representing Morocco and the Arab flag”
t’s amazing to be here at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic! I’ve played in a lot of professional tournaments as an amateur and I played well in my last one, the Saudi International, where I finished sixth. But this event is much bigger – it’s a Rolex Series event, the environment, the players, and everything here is just incredible.
This is only my second time in Dubai. The first was just two months ago when I won the Pan Arab Championship at Al Zorah Golf Club, but as you can see right here, this Dubai skyline is incredible.
2024 was definitely my best year to date. I think I had nine victories, so it’s good; it means that the work I’m doing with my coach and my team is paying off. I’ve been at Odessa College in the States, but I’m transferring to Texas Tech, so I’m hoping that 2025 is going to be even better.
The Majlis Course here is amazing! The fairways are so tight, so you have to hit it straight, which is thankfully a strength in my driving. I’ll just have to be patient and hope to make some birdies and putts. But then again, par on every hole would be good for me.
I’ve obviously watched this tournament on TV, and you see the lines these guys take off the tee, so I’m trying not to copy that and just do my own thing because they hit the ball way further than me!
But this week, my goal is to win, definitely. I know my A-game can compete against the top players, for sure. Last month at the PIF Saudi International it showed me where I was at, so this week, I know what I can do and what I’m capable of. Of course, making the cut is a goal, but the real goal is to win.
Maybe only five or six people know who I am this week—make that seven, including my dad! But I just want to show that us Arab players are here and we have potential. Even here in Dubai, there are so many good players from the surrounding Arab countries.
So it’s an honour for me to be here representing Morocco and the Arab flag. It means a lot. Again, it’s showing that we’re here and we have the talent to do it. In the following ten years, the next generation of Arab golf will be good.
DRIVING
SUSTAINABLE GOLF
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) was the first golf event in the Middle East and first within the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status, demonstrating the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events.
The distinction is awarded and assured by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda.
Obtaining GEO Certified® status has become a notable achievement showcased by many of the world’s most renowned golf venues and events.
During the tournament this week, there
are new dedicated workshops taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th to provide visitors of all ages with a range of funfilled, engaging activities to improve their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving the earth.
In addition to the activities, high-quality filtered water dispensers, provided by Liquid of Life and Al Laith will be available around the venue, so remember to bring reusable water bottles! The installation of the dispensers aligns with Dubai Can’s sustainability initiative that aims to minimise single-use plastic bottle waste in Dubai.
These sustainability practices are part of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic’s ‘Go For the Green’ initiative, encouraging people to be more eco-friendly, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the planet.
Visitors are being encouraged to travel by the Dubai Metro with Al Khail Metro Station right outside the Club’s entrance, while those driving can pay AED50 to park with all parking fees being used to plant mangrove trees in Dubai.
Leadership In Sustainability And Climate Action
• Delivering on UN sustainable development goals
• Delivering on the UN decade of action
• Delivering on Dubai 2030 strategic plan, Dubai 2040 urban master plan and UAE commitment to a net zero economy by 2050
• Aligned with the DP World Tour Green Drive
• GEO certified® tournament within 3 years positively impacting communities; demonstrating innovation in resource use; promoting the value of nature.
FINGERS
By harnessing the power of the sun 80% of the area between the 11th and 15th holes is powered by solar panels.
In only a few days, the event recycles over 5 tonnes of glass — enough energy to power a laptop for 312 days
By using refillable alternatives, over 120,000 singleuse plastic bottles are diverted from landfill – and that’s just since the start of the initiative in 2022.
100% B20 biodiesel is used throughout the event, helping towards Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 target of using 75% clean energy.
DP World deliver the goods
Overall winners of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am, split over Tuesday and Wednesday on the Majlis Course, was the team consisting of Nassir Al Nasser, Shames Al Hashemi, Mohammed Abdulrahim and professional Min Woo Lee from Australia, representing the DP World (pictured above).
The winning fourball team produced a fantastic score of 36-underpar in the ‘par is your friend’ format to claim bragging rights back in the clubhouse!
One shot back in second spot was the WASL team of Nassir Al Nasser, Shames Al Hashemi, Mohammed Abdulrahim and current Race to Dubai leader John Parry from England, with a team score of 35-under-par (pictured left).
While in third was the Arena team lead by professional Dan Bradbury with amateurs, Achal Ghai, Jason Traner, Michael Gietzen with a score of 33-under-par after a better back nine countback.
TEAM MOTIVATE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Thomas Buchard (Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest winner), Guido Migliozzi (pro), Rob Norton and Dean Cheesley
ORDER OF PLAY
THURSDAY JANUARY
16, 2025
Plan the day watching your favourite players with this guide to the groupings and tee times.
1. TIME 07:05 HOLE 1
◼ Jannik DE BRUYN (GER)
◼ George COETZEE (RSA)
◼ Alexander KNAPPE (GER)
2. TIME 07:15 HOLE 1
◼ Preston SUMMERHAYS (AM) (USA)
◼ Jacques KRUYSWIJK (RSA)
◼ Manuel ELVIRA (ESP)
3. TIME 07:25 HOLE 1
◼ Nacho ELVIRA (ESP)
◼ Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR)
◼ Maximilian KIEFFER (GER)
4. TIME 07:35 HOLE 1
◼ Darren FICHARDT (RSA)
◼ Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA)
◼ Haotong LI (CHN)
5. TIME 07:45 HOLE 1
◼ Andrea PAVAN (ITA)
◼ Aaron COCKERILL (CAN)
◼ Gavin GREEN (MAS)
6. TIME 07:55 HOLE 1
◼ Calum HILL (SCO)
◼ Grant FORREST (SCO)
◼ Brandon STONE (RSA)
7. TIME 08:05 HOLE 1
◼ Matthew BALDWIN (ENG)
◼ David MICHELUZZI (AUS)
◼ Sean CROCKER (USA)
8. TIME 08:15 HOLE 1
◼ Alejandro DEL REY (ESP)
◼ Alfredo GARCIA-HEREDIA (ESP)
◼ Adrien SADDIER (FRA)
9. TIME 08:25 HOLE 1
◼ Ryan VAN VELZEN (RSA)
◼ Connor SYME (SCO)
◼ Francesco LAPORTA (ITA)
10. TIME 08:35 HOLE 1
◼ Veer AHLAWAT (IND)
◼ Daniel GAVINS (ENG)
◼ Callum SHINKWIN (ENG)
11. TIME 08:45 HOLE 1
◼ Thomas AIKEN (RSA)
◼ Marcel SCHNEIDER (GER)
◼ Simon FORSSTRÖM (SWE)
12. TIME 07:05 HOLE 10
◼ Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA)
◼ Nathan KIMSEY (ENG)
◼ Robin WILLIAMS (RSA)
13. TIME 07:15 HOLE 10
◼ Adrian OTAEGUI (UAE)
◼ Dean BURMESTER (RSA)
◼ Sam BAIRSTOW (ENG)
14. TIME 07:25 HOLE 10
◼ Shubhankar SHARMA (IND)
◼ Joe DEAN (ENG)
◼ Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL)
15. TIME 07:35 HOLE 10
◼ Romain LANGASQUE (FRA)
◼ Matthew JORDAN (ENG)
◼ Dan BRADBURY (ENG)
16. TIME 07:45 HOLE 10
◼ Tom MCKIBBIN (NIR)
◼ Johannes VEERMAN (USA)
◼ Elvis SMYLIE (AUS)
17. TIME 07:55 HOLE 10
◼ Jordan SMITH (ENG)
◼ Ryan FOX (NZL)
◼ Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN)
18. TIME 08:05 HOLE 10
◼ Rory MCILROY (NIR)
◼ Viktor HOVLAND (NOR)
◼ Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG)
19. TIME 08:15 HOLE 10
◼ Paul WARING (ENG)
◼ Tyrrell HATTON (ENG)
◼ Nicolai HØJGAARD (DEN)
20. TIME 08:25 HOLE 10
◼ Ewen FERGUSON (SCO)
◼ Keita NAKAJIMA (JPN)
◼ Jimmy WALKER (USA)
21. TIME 08:35 HOLE 10
◼ Julien GUERRIER (FRA)
◼ Marcel SIEM (GER)
◼ Shaun NORRIS (RSA)
22. TIME 08:45 HOLE 10
◼ Jayden SCHAPER (RSA)
◼ Jordan GUMBERG (USA)
◼ Todd CLEMENTS (ENG)
23. TIME 11:25 HOLE 1
◼ Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP)
◼ Yuto KATSURAGAWA (JPN)
◼ David RAVETTO (FRA)
24. TIME 11:35 HOLE 1
◼ Darius VAN DRIEL (NED)
◼ Guido MIGLIOZZI (ITA)
◼ Laurie CANTER (ENG)
25. TIME 11:45 HOLE 1
◼ Pablo LARRAZÁBAL (ESP)
◼ Adrian MERONK (POL)
◼ Alexander BJÖRK (SWE)
26. TIME 11:55 HOLE 1
◼ Thomas PIETERS (BEL)
◼ Sebastian SÖDERBERG (SWE)
◼ John PARRY (ENG)
27. TIME 12:05 HOLE 1
◼ Luke DONALD (ENG)
◼ Rasmus NEERGAARD-PETERSEN (DEN)
◼ Angel HIDALGO (ESP)
28. TIME 12:15 HOLE 1
◼ Thriston LAWRENCE (RSA)
◼ Niklas NORGAARD (DEN)
◼ Matt WALLACE (ENG)
29. TIME 12:25 HOLE 1
◼ Jon RAHM (ESP)
◼ Robert MACINTYRE (SCO)
◼ Adam SCOTT (AUS)
30. TIME 12:35 HOLE 1
◼ Min Woo LEE (AUS)
◼ Rasmus HØJGAARD (DEN)
◼ Akshay BHATIA (USA)
31. TIME 12:45 HOLE 1
◼ Ugo COUSSAUD (FRA)
◼ Alex FITZPATRICK (ENG)
◼ Patrick REED (USA)
32. TIME 12:55 HOLE 1
◼ Nicolas COLSAERTS (BEL)
◼ Marcus KINHULT (SWE)
◼ Andrew WILSON (ENG)
33. TIME 11:25 ♦ HOLE 10
◼ Jens DANTORP (SWE)
◼ Ross FISHER (ENG)
◼ Matthias SCHWAB (AUT)
34. TIME 11:35 HOLE 10
◼ David FORD (AM) (USA)
◼ Jason SCRIVENER (AUS)
◼ Ivan CANTERO (ESP)
35. TIME 11:45 HOLE 10
◼ Frederic LACROIX (FRA)
◼ Yannik PAUL (GER)
◼ Andy SULLIVAN (ENG)
36. TIME 11:55 HOLE 10
◼ Richie RAMSAY (SCO)
◼ Daniel HILLIER (NZL)
◼ Ryggs JOHNSTON (USA)
37. TIME 12:05 HOLE 10
◼ Daniel BROWN (ENG)
◼ Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT)
◼ Jeff WINTHER (DEN)
38. TIME 12:15 HOLE 10
◼ Joost LUITEN (NED)
◼ Tom VAILLANT (FRA)
◼ Scott JAMIESON (SCO)
39. TIME 12:25 HOLE 10
◼ Jeong weon KO (FRA)
◼ Casey JARVIS (RSA)
◼ Richard MANSELL (ENG)
40. TIME 12:35 HOLE 10
◼ Ockie STRYDOM (RSA)
◼ Fabrizio ZANOTTI (PAR)
◼ Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA)
41. TIME 12:45 HOLE 10
◼ Dale WHITNELL (ENG)
◼ Louis DE JAGER (RSA)
◼ Marcus ARMITAGE (ENG)
42. TIME 12:55 HOLE 10
◼ Adam BRESNU (AM) (MAR)
◼ Ashun WU (CHN)
◼ Joel GIRRBACH (SUI)
LET ME TAKE A SELFIE
The 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic celebrated the growing influence of golf content creators last weekend by hosting the inaugural Creators Dubai Desert Classic (CDDC), the first of its kind in the Middle East.
KING KLEIN
In the lead-up to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Louis Klein from Czechia won the Junior Dubai Desert Classic with a remarkable 15-under-par total over three rounds at Emirates Golf Club.
Setting a new junior course record with a 9-under 63 in the second round, Klein carded six consecutive birdies, before signing for a final-round 69 on the Majlis Course to secure an eight-stroke victory.
The 54-hole tournament saw 64 junior golfers aged 18 and under from around the world compete. The first two rounds were played on the Faldo Course under floodlights, with the top 30 advancing to the Majlis Course for the final round.
Klein’s victory was built on rounds of 69 and 63 on the Faldo Course, with a final 69 on the Majlis. Norway’s Daniel Nilsson finished runner-up with a 7-under total of 209, while India’s Pritish Karayat took third place with a level-par 216.
The winners were presented with their trophies by DP World Tour member Richie Ramsay, Simon Corkill (Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic), and Walid Al Attar from the Emirates Golf Federation.
Ronan Moloney (F0ur Br0thers), Declan Moloney (F0ur Br0thers), Patrick Moloney (F0ur Br0thers), Troy Osterberg, Miles Nazaire, Hailey Ostrom, Georgia Golf Coach, Ben Kruper, Logan Deyong, Sara Winter, Mac Boucher, Ellie Skoog, Inci Mehmet, David Templer (Temps), Max Payne, and Harrison Woan (Max and Harry), who collectively boast over 20 million followers across their channels, all brought their unique flair to the iconic Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club as the 16 star-studded golf content creators competed in an 18-hole stroke play contest. Taking the spoils on the iconic layout in the Gross Division was Harry Woan, with an impressive two-under-par. While the Net Division winner, with an eight-under-par 64, was David “Temps” Templer (handicap 26).
withAdrianOtaegui DAILYDIARY
“BECOMING A UAE NATIONAL IS MY WAY OF GIVING BACK A LITTLE.”
It’s a home event for me this week! Well, I have felt like it has been a home event for a long time because I’ve been playing as a Dubai resident for 13 years. But this year is a little bit more special as I’m now playing as a UAE National.
I’ve always loved this golf course; it’s definitely in my top two golf courses in the UAE, and this tournament is amazing. The atmosphere is like a festival, and everybody marks the date in their calendar to come here. So, it’s a very special event, and I’m very happy to now be playing as a local player.
When I’ve been practising over the last few weeks, as a UAE National, juniors have started to approach me for pictures and selfies, which is the best. That’s what the Emirates Golf Federation really wants to encourage – kids’ participation and bringing more youngsters into the game.
I’ve always felt super welcome here since the very first time I came to the UAE when I was 19 years old. I just feel like everybody has helped me from an early stage in my career, and I made friends with plenty of Emiratis from the word go. So, I guess becoming a UAE National is my way of giving back a little.
I’ve had some time off since the last DP World Tour tournaments I played in South Africa last month. The first week, I just did nothing and completely rested. Then it was Christmas and New Year, and I started practising again around 11 days ago here in Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek. I’ve been trying to get out on the course and get back into the competitive rhythm. I think that’s similar for everyone here, really – just seeing how we will all play after a bit of a break. But I just can’t wait to start the season.
My form at this event isn’t anything to write home about, but I was talking on the range to a few players, and we were saying how we feel the fairways are maybe a touch narrower this year. Some years the rough has been thicker than others, but the fairways are always narrow. So it’s a tournament where many players are going to miss a lot of fairways, and I feel like the longer hitters have a bit of an advantage because you are playing from the rough much closer to the green. But still, it’s a course I’ve always loved, and I’m eager to do well here this week for the UAE.
McIlroy honoured with Seve Ballesteros Award
Rory McIlroy has won the 2024 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year by his fellow members on the DP World Tour.
The Player of the Year Award, named after the legendary Seve Ballesteros, incorporates the former Golfer of the Year Award after the two accolades were combined in 2021 to become one single honour voted for by the DP World Tour’s members.
The Northern Irishman was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s sons,
Javier, who travelled to Dubai ahead of this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, won by his father more than 30 years ago, and by McIlroy on four occasions in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024.
McIlroy earned 46% of the votes cast, with Amgen Irish Open champion Rasmus Højgaard taking second place and Thriston Lawrence third. The four-time Major Champion was also voted Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015.
McIlroy said: “The Seve Ballesteros
Award is special because it’s voted on by your peers. They are the ones that have been out there on the course with you week-in, week-out, playing the same golf courses, competing. So to get their vote is very meaningful. I said to Javier, the legacy that his dad left on not just European golf but global golf will live on forever. Our whole motivation that we rally around on the Ryder Cup team is Seve, and we feel like we have an advantage because of that.”
ABOVE: Rory was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s son Javier.
FEELING GOOD
Promoting Health & Wellness In Golf: Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 launches spectator Step Fore It challenge
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 is celebrating the wide-reaching health and wellness benefits of golf for both spectators and players with the launch of Step Fore It, an exciting new initiative that will challenge tournament visitors to rack up as many steps as possible throughout the event – with prizes for those topping the leaderboard.
The healthy spectator stats that inspired Step Fore It
Research shows that golf spectators average over 11,500 steps per day at events, offering a unique combination of physical activity, outdoor enjoyment, and social interaction. In a world grappling with the health risks of inactivity, golf provides a fun, accessible way to get moving. Each year, over 10 million people attend golf tournaments, collectively walking millions of steps. At The 152nd Open over 168 million steps were taken by spectators across Royal Troon whilst at events like the Schengen Open, spectators walked the equivalent of the Great Wall of China, and Ryder Cup fans covered four times the globe’s circumference.
Step Fore It
Step Fore It was conceptualised by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as part of The R&A’s Golf Is Good campaign supported by the Emirates Golf Federation. Designed to encourage spectators of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle, this initiative
encourages audiences to get moving while enjoying the tournament. Whether it’s strolling between holes or taking in the action at key viewing spots - every step will count.
Participants can register upon entry by signing up at a designated counter in Tournament Town from 7am daily. They can track their steps throughout the day and submit their final count by 6pm on Thursday to Saturday or by 4pm on Sunday. Each day, the top three participants with the highest step counts will win exclusive prizes.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, stated: “Introducing the Step Fore It Challenge at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s dedication to promoting health and wellness. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the holistic physical and mental benefits of both playing and spectating golf. We look forward to welcoming visitors to join in this exciting challenge and engage in some healthy competition as they strive to top the leaderboards.”
Swing Into Health – the physical benefits of playing golf
As well as being a healthy sport for spectators, golf is one of the healthiest sports to play, with regular golfers enjoying a longer-then-average life span. Research commissioned by The R&A has shown that playing a round of golf offers a unique combination of health benefits thanks to moderate, long-duration physical activity. Golfers who walk the courses, which
can be up to eight miles, can rack up to 17,000 steps and burn up to 1,200 calories over 18 holes. Even those using a golf cart gain health benefits, covering up to 6,000 steps and four miles per round, burning an average of 600 calories.
Regular play contributes to improved overall health, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like hip fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain cancers. Additionally, the increased physical activity has a positive impact on mental well-being.
Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A said: “Research commission by The R&A clearly demonstrates there are significant physical and mental health benefits gained by playing golf and spectating at championships. As an industry we must work together on initiatives, like the Step Fore It Challenge, that position golf as a moderate intensity sport that can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone. Since 2022 and the introduction of The R&A’s Golf Is Good campaign the association between golf and health has risen by eight per cent which has led to more people playing golf, more often. I hope the fans at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic enjoy watching the top golf on display but also feel the immediate impact of being active.”
Player Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone returns for second year
In addition to the Step Fore It spectator initiative, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again feature the innovative Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone for the 2025 edition. As one of the first tournaments in the world to introduce such a facility, it continues to set a new standard by prioritising health and wellness in professional golf. After a successful launch in 2024, the Zone is designed to support players’ mental and physical well-being, providing a dedicated space to manage stress, enhance focus, and maintain peak performance levels.
Located within SENSASIA Urban Spa at Emirates Golf Club, the Zone offers a range of services including mental fitness training, sleep chambers, mindfulness sessions, and nourishing brain-boosting foods. Players can also experience virtual reality for visualization, along with one-on-one consultations with mental health professionals.
Prof/Dr. Andrew Murray, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for the DP World Tour, added: “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic and DP World Tour have led the way in enhancing health and performance in professional golf. We are proud to be bringing back the Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone for the second year at the 2025 tournament to support our players, caddies, and staff with a wealth of resources to aid their mental and physical wellbeing.”
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest golf event in the Middle East and next year’s event will be the 36th edition of the tournament. Established in 1989, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a key fixture on the DP World Tour and a part of the esteemed Rolex Series, instrumental in introducing golf to the Middle East and producing some of the sport’s most memorable moments.
The 2025 event will feature a world-class field with a host of star names, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood, already confirmed.
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