DAN THE MAN
Kiwi Daniel Hillier holds a slender one-shot lead heading into the final day here at Emirates Golf Club, in the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The 26-year-old, whose maiden DP World Tour title came at the 2023 Betfred British Masters, was in the final group, one shot behind the overnight leader, Ewen Ferguson. The pair started the day with breathing space from the chasing contenders, which included the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, Min Woo Lee and Rasmus Højgaard.
Hillier got off to the brighter start, birdieing three of his first five holes. The Scot, Ferguson, meanwhile, was heading in the opposite direction, two over through nine.
A four-shot lead was staring Hillier in the face in what was a turbulent day for all players.
“It was a grind,” said Hillier. “I figured it was going to be that way at the start of the day with all that wind. It was tough, but I enjoyed it out there.”
However, three consecutive bogeys from the 13th left the door ajar for the chasing pack, and England’s Hatton took full advantage with a 68 to set the clubhouse target at 12 under par.
Hillier responded with a birdie from six feet at the 17th, then cleared the water by a whisker with his second shot to the last hole, setting up a routine up-and-down gain as
he signed for a two-under 70 and a 13-under total.
“Well, we thought we had plenty of club going in there. We were trying to hit it long left. Only 200 to carry the water, and I hit 5-wood.
“Usually that’s a 235, 240-yard club, and it just spun into the first cut.”
Ferguson ended up signing for a two-over 74 to lie third on ten under, with England’s Laurie Canter and Hillier’s countryman Ryan Fox tied for fourth, a shot further back.
“Yeah, it will be good,” said Hillier, commenting on Sunday’s final grouping. “I don’t think I’ve played with Tyrrell before, so that should be fun.
“It will be a good test. He’ll be raring to get his hands on that trophy, but I’d love to do the same. It will be a fun day.”
Whoever picks up the winner’s cheque, in this US$9 million prize pool, will take home a tasty $1.53 million. A nice start to 2025!
“It would be life-changing. Last year was pretty tough. It was a bit of a grind.
“I was getting pretty frustrated with myself towards the end of the year. Gave myself a little bit of a break and time to reset, and I’m feeling refreshed. Yeah, excited for tomorrow.”
Defending champion and four-time winner of the event, McIlroy, is at six under par, seven shots back from Hillier.
Simon Corkill
The Executive Tournament Director shares his thoughts PAGE 2
Adam Bresnu
The Moroccan amateur’s dream week continues PAGE 4
Event History
All the great stats form the past 35 editions PAGE 14
Tournament Town
A snippet of the best pics from the week PAGE 18
Navigate Emirates Golf Club with your guide to the first round groups. PAGE 10-11
By Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East PATRON AND OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
The 26-year-old New Zealander leads the way at Emirates Golf Club in the US $9 million event
As we gather for the final day of the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, I’m incredibly proud to reflect on how this tournament has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the global golfing calendar.
This year, we have been privileged to witness one of the strongest fields in the event’s rich history, featuring the likes of defending champion Rory McIlroy and Major winners Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Pádraig Harrington, and Adam Scott – to name a few.
As the first Rolex Series event of the 2025 Race to Dubai, this tournament has not only showcased world-class golf but has also celebrated the vibrancy of Dubai, its people, and its forward-thinking vision.
That drive to push the envelope has seen us continue to lead the way in innovation with the return of the Mental Fitness Zone. This unique facility highlights our commitment to player well-being, while enhancing both mental and physical performance for the stars of the game.
This year, we introduced the Step Fore It challenge, an exciting initiative encouraging spectators to embrace the physical and mental health benefits of golf. Prizes await those topping the leaderboard for most steps taken by the end of today, so get those steps in while you can!
We remain immensely proud of our GEO Certified® status, achieved in 2023 and 2024, recognising our dedication to sustainability. The new Green Incubator Challenge and sustainability workshops have inspired positive change, solidifying the tournament as a leader in environmentally responsible events.
None of this would have been possible without our title sponsor, Hero MotoCorp, and founding partner, Emirates Global Aluminium, as well as all the support from our partners and fans. Together, you make this tournament one of the must-attend events in the world of golf. Enjoy the action on and off the course and thank you for being part of this exceptional event!
Best wishes,
SIMON CORKILL
“I’VE GAINED LIKE 200 MORE FOLLOWERS IN TWO DAYS!”
Moroccan amateur Adam Bresnu, was once again, talk of the town here in Dubai. Having been the first Arab-born golfer to make the cut in a DP World Tour Rolex Series event.
The 22-year-old showcased remarkable composure in Saturday’s third round in what has been a groundbreaking week in his golfing career, and for Arab golf in general.
“Today was great. I wasn’t really nervous; when I walked onto that first tee, I was calm,” he said. “Earlier in the week, I spoke to you (Golf Digest Middle East) about my dream of being paired with Adam Scott, and when I finally met him on the first tee, I told myself, ‘OK, let’s do this.’”
“Under the circumstances, I think I played really well today, but I just couldn’t make any putts,” he explained. “The longest putt I
made was probably only about three or four feet. Two birdies and two bogeys—it was tough out there, but I’m still at two-underpar for the tournament.”
In only his second ever time in Dubai, Bresnu noted the buzz of playing in front of the large crowds and televison cameras, an experience that seemed to energise him. “The crowds and cameras were amazing, and I hope I was on TV!” he remarked. “I hit some great stingers and big drives, and my chip-in for one of the birdies on the ninth hole was a highlight. I’m looking forward to seeing that back.”
The increased attention surrounding the young Moroccan’s historic achievement has also translated into a significant boost in his social media following! “It’s been a crazy week so far. I haven’t checked my phone yet, but I’ve gained about 200 followers in just two days. So please, keep them coming!”
One of the most touching aspects of Bresnu’s journey this week has been the unwavering support he’s received from both the local fans and his own friends. “The support has been incredible. The crowd was constantly cheering for me,” he said. “I even had a close friend fly in from Morocco last night. When they saw I made the cut, they immediately booked a flight to come and watch me. I will never forget that gesture. That’s a true friend.”
As the US $9 million Hero Dubai Desert Classic edges ever closer to the final putt, Bresnu is determined to maintain his calm and focused approach that he has done all week. “For the final round, I’ll do the same as I did on Thursday, Friday, and today,” he stated. “I hope I can make more putts, but we will see. My primary goal is to enjoy this experience, have fun, and keep learning.”
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Tyrrell Hatton
David Micheluzzi
Shaun Norris
THOUGHTS FROM THE FIELD
DYLAN FRITTELLI
It was key to just get it in play off the tee and then made a few putts today.
TYRRELL HATTON
LAURIE CANTER
I just found myself kind of at a place where I would probably take bogey.
I’ll go out there tomorrow and give it my absolute best, which is all I can do, and see how we go tomorrow.
RORY MCILROY
I would have liked to have shot a few shots better.
ORDER OF PLAY SUNDAY
JANUARY 19, 2025
Plan the day watching your favourite players with this guide to the groupings and tee times.
1. TIME 07:05 HOLE 1
◼ Fabrizio ZANOTTI (PAR) 6
◼ Jeong weon KO (FRA) 4
2. TIME 07:12 HOLE 1
◼ David RAVETTO (FRA) 4
◼ Grant FORREST (SCO) 3
3. TIME 07:20 HOLE 1
◼ Jannik DE BRUYN (GER) 2
◼ Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) 2
◼ Jens DANTORP (SWE) 2
4. TIME 07:30 HOLE 1
◼ Robin WILLIAMS (RSA) 1
◼ Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) 1
◼ Ugo COUSSAUD (FRA) 1
5. TIME 07:40 HOLE 1
◼ Connor SYME (SCO) 1
◼ Marcel SIEM (GER) 1
◼ Angel HIDALGO (ESP) 1
6. TIME 07:50 HOLE 1
◼ Alfredo GARCIA-HEREDIA (ESP) PAR
◼ Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) PAR
◼ Preston SUMMERHAYS (AM) (USA) PAR
7. TIME 08:00 HOLE 1
◼ Dan BRADBURY (ENG) PAR
◼ Joost LUITEN (NED) PAR
◼ Joel GIRRBACH (SUI) PAR
8. TIME 08:10 HOLE 1
◼ Jacques KRUYSWIJK (RSA) PAR
◼ Sam BAIRSTOW (ENG) PAR
◼ Romain LANGASQUE (FRA) PAR
9. TIME 08:25 HOLE 1
◼ Marcel SCHNEIDER (GER) PAR
◼ Tom VAILLANT (FRA) PAR
◼ Nicolas COLSAERTS (BEL) PAR
10. TIME 08:35 HOLE 1
◼ Adrian OTAEGUI (UAE) PAR
◼ Joe DEAN (ENG) PAR
◼ Matthew JORDAN (ENG) PAR
11. TIME 08:45 HOLE 1
◼ Nicolai HØJGAARD (DEN) PAR
◼ Daniel GAVINS (ENG) PAR
◼ Nacho ELVIRA (ESP) -1
12. TIME 08:55 HOLE 1
◼ Akshay BHATIA (USA) -1
◼ Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) -1
◼ Francesco LAPORTA (ITA) -1
13. TIME 09:05 HOLE 1
◼ Richie RAMSAY (SCO) -2
◼ Adam BRESNU (AM) (MAR) -2
◼ Alexander KNAPPE (GER) -2
14. TIME 09:15 HOLE 1
◼ Elvis SMYLIE (AUS) -2
◼ Marcus ARMITAGE (ENG) -2
◼ Jordan GUMBERG (USA) -2
15. TIME 09:25 HOLE 1
◼ Jordan SMITH (ENG) -2
◼ David MICHELUZZI (AUS) -3
◼ Richard MANSELL (ENG) -3
16. TIME 09:40 HOLE 1
◼ Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) -3
◼ Ivan CANTERO (ESP) -3
◼ Keita NAKAJIMA (JPN) -3
17. TIME 09:50 HOLE 1
◼ Alexander BJÖRK (SWE) -3
◼ Julien GUERRIER (FRA) -3
◼ Rasmus NEERGAARD-PETERSEN (DEN) -3
18. TIME 10:00 HOLE 1
◼ Todd CLEMENTS (ENG) -4
◼ Louis DE JAGER (RSA) -4
◼ Patrick REED (USA) -4
19. TIME 10:10 HOLE 1
◼ Casey JARVIS (RSA) -4
◼ Matt WALLACE (ENG) -4
◼ Sebastian SÖDERBERG (SWE) -4
20. TIME 10:20 HOLE 1
◼ Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR) -5
◼ Thorbjørn OLESEN (DEN) -5
◼ Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) -5
21. TIME 10:30 HOLE 1
◼ Haotong LI (CHN) -5
◼ Adam SCOTT (AUS) -5
◼ Jayden SCHAPER (RSA) -5
22. TIME 10:40 HOLE 1
◼ Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) -6
◼ Min Woo LEE (AUS) -6
◼ Johannes VEERMAN (USA) -6
23. TIME 10:55 HOLE 1
◼ Niklas NORGAARD (DEN) -6
◼ David FORD (AM) (USA) -6
◼ Robert MACINTYRE (SCO) -6
24. TIME 11:05 HOLE 1
◼ Rory MCILROY (NIR) -6
◼ Rasmus HØJGAARD (DEN) -7
◼ Guido MIGLIOZZI (ITA) -7
25. TIME 11:15 HOLE 1
◼ Shaun NORRIS (RSA) -8
◼ Tom MCKIBBIN (NIR) -8
◼ Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) -8
26. TIME 11:25 HOLE 1
◼ Calum HILL (SCO) -8
◼ Laurie CANTER (ENG) -9
◼ Ryan FOX (NZL) -9
27. TIME 11:35 HOLE 1
◼ Ewen FERGUSON (SCO) -10
◼ Tyrrell HATTON (ENG) -12
◼ Daniel HILLIER (NZL) -13
CONTENT CREATORS
THE BEST BITS
TROPHY TOUR
RORY SEVE AWARD
COACH
LIAM JAMES
STEP FORE IT
ADAM BRESNU WITH GENERAL
PRO-AM
PETER COWEN ACADEMY
SUSTAINABILITY
INFLUENCER TRAINING
It’s not enough just being a golfer nowadays.
The stars of the sport are not just getting back up to speed on the course at the start of a new year but also with the ever-evolving world of social media.
With the support of “viral consultant” and social media guru Hannah Rae, some much needed coaching on the art of engaging content is on hand at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for Tommy Fleetwood, Min Woo Lee, Matt Wallace, Paul Waring and Akshay Bhatia.
From filters, lighting and “hacking the algo”, Rae gives a crash course in the skills required to have cut through with your socials.
With rave reviews from well-known influencers and an international star of the acting world about her influence, Rae has her work cut out to teach the some new tricks.
Head to the DP World Tour’s social media channels to watch the sketch!
Back
1989 - Mark James 277 (-11)
1990 - Eamonn Darcy 276 (-12)
1992 - Seve Ballesteros 272 (-16)
1993 - Wayne Westner 274 (-14)
1994 - Ernie Els 268 (-20)
1995 - Fred Couples 268 (-20)
1996 - Colin Montgomerie 270 (-18)
1997 - Richard Green 272 (-16)
1998 - José Maria Olazábal 269 (-19)
1999 - David Howell 275 (-13)
2000 - José Cóceres 274 (-14)
2001 - Thomas Bjørn 266 (-22)
2002 - Ernie Els 272 (-16)
2003 - Robert-Jan Derksen 271 (-17)
2004 - Mark O’Meara 271 (-17)
2005 - Ernie Els 269 (-19)
2006 - Tiger Woods 269 (-19)
2007 - Henrik Stenson 269 (-19)
2008 - Tiger Woods 274 (-14)
2009 - Rory McIlroy 269 (-19)
2010 - Miguel Ángel Jiménez 277 (-11)
2011 - Álvaro Quirós 277 (-11)
2012 - Rafa Cabrera Bello 270 (-18)
2013 - Stephen Gallacher 266 (-22)
2014 - Stephen Gallacher 272 (-16)
2015 - Rory McIlroy 266 (-22)
2016 - Danny Willett 269 (-19)
2017 - Sergio Garcia 269 (-19)
2018 - Li Haotong 265 (-23)
2019 - Bryson DeChambeau 264 (-24)
2020 - Lucas Herbert 279 (-9)
2021 - Paul Casey 271 (-17)
2022 - Victor Hovland 276 (-12)
2023 - Rory McIlroy 269 (-19)
2024 - Rory McIlroy 270 (-14)
WE’VE CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS ON EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
CONSECUTIVE WINS
Stephen Gallacher: 2013 and 2014
Rory McIlroy: 2023 and 2024
36th
The Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club, is set to host the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the 34th time. The event was twice held at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in 1999 and 2000. MOST WINS Rory McIlroy: 2009, 2015, 2023, 2024
1989: €251,708.00 (Winner’s share €58,324.00) 2025: $9,000,000.00 (Winner’s share: $1,530,000.00)
OLDEST WINNER
Mark O’Meara 47 years and 54 days, 2004
YOUNGEST WINNER
Rory McIlroy 19 years and 273 days, 2009
MOST BIRDIES IN ONE ROUND
(DP WORLD TOUR RECORD) Ernie Els - 1994
Biggest final round comeback by a winner: Lucas Herbert, 2020
Hovland
Eamonn Darcy, 1990
Seve Ballesteros, 1992
Ernie Els, 1994; José Coceres, 2000
Rory McIlroy, 2009
Sergio Garcia, 2017
HOLESIN-ONE
Miguel Ángel Jiménez 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 1990
Chris Moody 11th Hole, Rnd 3, 1990
Mark McNulty 11th Hole, Rnd 3, 1990
José Cóceres 7th Hole, Rnd 2, 1992
Wayne Westner
7th Hole, Rnd 1, 1995
José Cóceres 4th Hole, Rnd 1, 1996
Roger Wessels 7th Hole, Rnd 2, 1996
Peter Hedblom 15th Hole, Rnd 2, 1996
Stuart Cage 8th Hole, Rnd 1, 1999 (Dubai Creek)
Peter Downie 16th Hole, Rnd 1, 2000 (Dubai Creek)
2024 TOUGHEST HOLES
HOLE 9
488 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.29) HOLE 12
476 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.24) HOLE 8
459 Yard, Par 4 (Averaged 4.22)
149
HIGH CUT (+5), 1989
Henrik Bjørnstad 7th Hole, Rnd 4, 2002
Brad Kennedy 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 2004
Yasin Ali 7th Hole, Rnd 1, 2005
Nobuhito Sato 15th Hole, Rnd 1, 2005
Stephen Gallacher 4th Hole, Rnd 4, 2005
Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño 4th Hole, Rnd 2, 2007
Miguel Ángel Jiménez 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2008
Louis Oosthuizen 11th hole, Rnd 2, 2009
David Howell 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2011
Keith Horne 4th hole, Rnd 2, 2011
Raphaël Jacquelin 7th hole, Rnd 3, 2011
Álvaro Quirós 11th hole, Rnd 4, 2011
Stephen Gallacher 15th hole, Rnd 1, 2012
Martin Kaymer 7th hole, Rnd 2, 2012
Álvaro Quirós 4th hole, Rnd 4, 2015
Grégory Bourdy 11th hole, Rnd 3, 2017
Matthew Southgate 7th hole, Rnd 2, 2018
Alexander Levy 5th hole, Rnd 3, 2018
Kristoffer Broberg 7th hole, Rnd 1, 2019
Nacho Elvira 11th hole, Rnd 1, 2021
Ryan Fox 4th hole, Rnd 3, 2022
Luke Donald 4th hole, Rnd 2, 2024
*All at Emirates G.C. unless noted
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.
Daily Prizes
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home of the excitement beyond the fairways, bursting with energy and packed with thrilling activities for all ages. At Tournament Town, visitors have been able to immerse themselves in handson experiences, from arts and crafts to sustainability-driven activities like seed bomb making, DIY workshops, and soil painting! Great fun for all ages!
TOURNAMENTTOWN
CREATED TO INSPIRE
