Dustin Johnson has committed to playing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2026. It will mark his first start at a DP World Tour Rolex Series event, and a tournament he has long ignored in favour of LIV Golf.

Over the course of more than ten years on the PGA Tour, he logged 135 weeks at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking, winning two majors, and racking up 24 PGA Tour wins before switching to LIV Golf in 2022.

Since then, he has added three LIV Golf wins and remained one of the most high-profile players in the Saudi-backed league, but never competed in this particular event, despite a whopping $9 million prize fund.

Speaking on his Dubai commitment, he said: "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."

For Johnson, who didn't qualify for the weekend rounds at any of the three majors in 2025, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic could be a shot at redemption. And he'll be up against a solid field of competitors.

Other LIV Stars Heading to Dubai

A number of LIV Golf players have committed to the $9 million Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club, choosing to compete ahead of the LIV season kickoff in Saudi Arabia. Seven-time LIV Golf winner Joaquin Niemann is set to return to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, two years after his last appearance at the Majlis Course, where he finished tied for fourth.

Joaquin Niemann said, “I really enjoyed my first experience at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and I’m looking forward to coming back.” Other confirmed names include:

• Tyrrell Hatton
• Patrick Reed
• Tom McKibbin
• Adrian Meronk
• Victor Perez
• David Puig
• Laurie Canter

For these players, Dubai offers competitive reps against a deep international field before the LIV season begins. For fans, it provides an early look at how LIV regulars perform outside their usual circuit.

Written by

Dolly Bhamrick

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi