The Desert Swing - Everything you need to know

Some of the world's top golfers are gearing up to begin their 2025 campaigns in the Middle East, as the region hosts the annual Desert Swing, marking the opening five events of the DP World Tour’s International Swing.

The action kicks off with the Team Cup, followed by the 36th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, returning for its fourth consecutive season. The Bahrain Championship makes its second appearance after the Tour's return to the Kingdom last year, ending a 13-year hiatus. The swing concludes with a short trip to Doha for the 28th edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

Team Cup - January 10-12

The Team Cup returns next month for its second edition, with Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course set to host two ten-man teams representing Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe. The squads have been selected by European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, alongside tournament captains Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari.

While the Team Cup is a relatively new addition to the DP World Tour schedule, a similar concept existed in the past with the ‘Seve Trophy.’ Created by Ryder Cup legend Seve Ballesteros, the biennial tournament aimed to keep European players sharp and focused, much like the President’s Cup.

Between 2000 and 2013, the Seve Trophy was contested eight times, with Great Britain & Ireland claiming six victories and Continental Europe winning twice. The event also served as a proving ground for future Ryder Cup leaders, with captains such as Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley, Nick Faldo, José María Olazábal, and Thomas Bjørn all taking charge before leading Team Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Remarkably, all but Faldo went on to secure Ryder Cup victories, underscoring the value of these team competitions. The DP World Tour will undoubtedly hope the Hero Cup can replicate the Seve Trophy’s success in shaping winning captains for future Ryder Cups.

Course focus

Designed by Peter Harradine and opening in 2000, Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s 7,583-yard par-72 National Course is a long examination, and the combination of huge, glassy putting surfaces, plentiful bunkers, water hazards and the desert heat can make the course as much of a test of stamina as well as golfing skill. Water comes into play on more holes than not, so players have to have their A-Game with them if they are to score well. The signature par-3 12th hole – with a lengthy carry over water to a large, sloping green – is a test for any standard of golfer.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic – January 16-19

The longest-running DP World Tour tournament outside Europe returns to Emirates Golf Club for its 36th edition, with Rory McIlroy aiming to secure his third consecutive title and a record-extending fifth overall.

Earlier this year, McIlroy surpassed Ernie Els’ previous record of three wins at the Dubai Desert Classic, claiming his fourth title in dramatic fashion. Starting the third round ten shots off the lead, the Northern Irishman produced a remarkable comeback to edge Dubai resident Adrian Meronk by a single stroke.

"I thought on Friday night, I thought ten under for the weekend, I would have a really good chance to win,” said McIlroy after his victory.

“I shot 11 and ended up winning by one. I've played the game long enough to sort of know how these things are going to go. Thankfully I played the golf I needed to and it's just incredible to get my fourth win here at the Emirates.”

Joining McIlroy in January will be two-time Major champion Jon Rahm, making his tournament debut. The Spaniard, who has primarily played on the LIV Golf League since joining last December, recently returned to the golf’s global circuit to retain his DP World Tour card, but will be playing in the UAE for the first time since November 2023.

Should Rahm claim the Dallah Trophy, he would join an elite group of past champions, including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie, Seve Ballesteros, and McIlroy himself, cementing his place in the legacy of the ‘Major of the Middle East.’

Did you know?

In the 1980s, the notion that a desert city like Dubai could sustain a lush, green grass golf course seemed implausible. However, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum had a different vision. He played a pivotal role in the development of Emirates Golf Club, the UAE's first 18-hole grass course, which officially opened in 1988.

Ras Al Khaimah Championship -  January 23-26

The DP World Tour is set to continue its exciting journey in Ras Al Khaimah as the Ras Al Khaimah Championship returns for the fourth consecutive year.

Earlier this season, Dubai resident Thorbjorn Olesen claimed a dominant six-shot victory over Rasmus Hojgaard at Al Hamra Golf Club, securing his eighth DP World Tour title.

"I played some nice golf coming in and holed the right putts at the right time,” Olesen said after his win. “To win was a goal, and it was nice to get that here, especially being at my new home. It's always a place I like to come to, not just for golf but for holidays. It's a great place, and I'm really happy that I could get a win here."

Olesen will return next month to defend his title, joined by a strong field that includes Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Paul Waring and Major champions Padraig Harrington and Jimmy Walker.

Testing finish

The back nine at Al Hamra Golf Club promises another stern challenge, as it did earlier this year. Five of the holes played over par across the week, with only the par-four 11th and 13th, along with the par-five 14th and 18th, offering any respite to the field.

Bahrain Championship - January 30 - February 02

The DP World Tour made a long-awaited return to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time in 13 years when Royal Golf Club hosted the inaugural Bahrain Championship in February. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, a passionate golf enthusiast, played a pivotal role in bringing the tour back to the Kingdom.

Dylan Frittelli claimed victory in the tournament’s debut edition, securing a two-stroke win and his first DP World Tour title in six years.

"It feels great, it feels awesome," said Frittelli, who endured a challenging 2023 PGA Tour season, missing the cut or withdrawing from 23 of his 27 starts. "It's been a long road the last five or six years since I left the DP World Tour and went to the States. It was a pretty tough year last year in America, but it feels awesome to be back on top right now.

"Last year, I was in a couple of spots where I thought I was giving the game up, to be honest, and looking for something else. I found some resolve at the end of last year and got good work from my physio, coaches, and trainers. I'm glad I persevered, and all the support from family and friends has been well worth it."

While players for the 2025 edition have yet to be announced, Frittelli is expected to return to defend his title.

Did you know?

Marcus Armitage made the eighth hole-in-one of the season when he holed a wedge from 131 yards on the 12th in the first round on Thursday. The Englishman later revealed It was his first ace in 20 years, and just an hour later China's Chen Guxin needed just one blow from 196 yards with a three iron at the second on the same day.

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters - February 6-9

The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters has been confirmed as the fifth stop on the International Swing – and the final event of five in the Middle East – before the series moves to Africa. The tournament, which debuted in 1998, boasts an impressive list of past champions, including Ernie Els, Henrik Stenson, and Adam Scott, all of whom have hoisted the iconic Mother of Pearl Trophy.

Arguably one of the most unique trophies on the DP World Tour, the Mother of Pearl Trophy symbolises Qatar's rich heritage. Pearl diving and trading have long been integral to Qatari culture and identity, making the silverware a source of historical significance and pride. Like its name, the trophy is unique, strong, and resilient – qualities that make it a prized possession for any champion. The question remains: who will claim it next year?

While no players have been announced, history suggests that success at Doha Golf Club demands long, accurate driving – a skill demonstrated by previous winners like Els, who reflected on the course’s challenges.

“Driving the ball is key as conditions get quite tough, and the wind can test your game,” said the four-time Major champion.

Indeed, Doha Golf Club’s notorious afternoon gusts often transform the course into a formidable challenge, while morning rounds tend to offer calmer conditions.

Organisers are optimistic that Rikuya Hoshino will return to defend his title after the Japanese star clinched his first DP World Tour victory with a strong finish at last year’s event.