Rory McIlroy commits to Dubai Desert Classic

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy is returning to Emirates Golf Club in January in a bid to win his third Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic title. McIlroy will be looking to add to his impressive record in Dubai at what will be the second Rolex Series event of the 2022 DP World Tour season.

The Northern Irishman is back at the event for the first time since 2018 - when he came close to adding to the titles he won in 2009 and 2015 - finishing just one shot behind winner Li Haotong. McIlroy has an enviable record over the Majlis Course with a further six top-ten finishes in 11 previous appearances.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed many memorable moments in Dubai throughout his illustrious career, winning the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in 2012 and 2015 and topping the season-long DP World Rankings three times – in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

McIlroy adds further star power to an elite field at the 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, which includes World Number Two and newly-crowned DP World Rankings winner Collin Morikawa, fellow Major winner and 2017 Dubai Desert Classic winner Sergio Garcia, and defending champion Paul Casey.

“As a fan of golf, it’s important that we bring a field that other fans will enjoy,” Chris Kirchner, Chairman and CEO of Slync.io stated. “Rory is one of my favourite players and I’m thrilled to have him as part of the inaugural title partnership for Slync.io.”

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, added: “The addition of Rory McIlroy to an already strong field emphasises the pedigree of this golf tournament. As one of the most talented golfers in the world he brings plenty of energy and excitement to the historic event. We look forward to seeing Rory battle it out with Collin Morikawa, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and others in a truly world-class field at this year’s event.”

Organisers have also confirmed that general entry to the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be free to all over the four days. Corkill continued: “With the UAE set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, we are delighted to announce that entry will be free for everyone over the duration of the tournament.”

“This decision was made in recognition of this special moment in the UAE’s history, while also giving something back to sports fans near and far. What better way to celebrate than through a truly global sporting event which everyone can enjoy.”

Founded in 1989, the historic tournament has been won by some of golf’s greatest names, including Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Jose Maria Olazábal, Mark O’Meara, Tiger Woods, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau.

The winner’s circle over the past 32 years has also featured Ryder Cup stars Mark James, the inaugural champion in 1989, Eamonn Darcy, Colin Montgomerie, David Howell, Thomas Bjørn, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Stephen Gallacher.