McIlroy returns to Dubai as Sharma, Sandhu carry Indian hopes

Rory McIlroy returns to Emirates Golf Club this week with history firmly on his side as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic enters its 37th edition, while India will be represented by Shubhankar Sharma and Yuvraj Sandhu.

It is 20 years since McIlroy first teed it up in Dubai as a 16-year-old amateur in 2006. He missed the cut that week, turned professional a year later, and endured early struggles before turning the event into one of his most reliable stops. Since 2009, McIlroy has never finished outside the top 10 at the Desert Classic and has lifted the trophy four times — in 2009, 2015, 2023 and 2024.

His breakthrough came in 2009, when he became the tournament’s youngest champion at 19 years and 273 days, a win that signalled the arrival of a generational talent. Now a five-time major champion and one of the most influential figures in the sport, McIlroy arrives still motivated by legacy rather than numbers.

Indian interest comes through Sharma, a two-time DP World Tour winner making his ninth start at the event, and Sandhu, who makes his Desert Classic debut on a special invitation. Sandhu tees off from the 10th at 8:45 a.m., while Sharma goes out at 12:45 p.m. from the first.

The Rolex Series event once again boasts a world-class field, with major winners Shane Lowry, Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed, and Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland, ensuring Dubai remains a premier early-season stage.

Photo – DPWT