McIlroy set for another Hero Dubai Desert Classic title defence

Defending champion Rory McIlroy says he has been "working on having fun" during his two-month break ahead of this week's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he is seeking a fifth title at Emirates Golf Club.

The World No. 3 returns to competitive action this week in a world-class field, as he also looks to become the first player to lift the famous Dallah trophy three times in a row. 

“I've been working on having fun,” said McIlroy. “Took a couple of trips on my time off. Went to a Borussia Dortmund game on Friday night

“Just doing things that I've always wanted to do. You know, went to New Zealand for a few days, which was a lot of fun which I've wanted to do for a while.

“Honestly just trying to enjoy myself. It's the only part of the year I feel like I can really unwind and do that.

“It's always been nice to start my year in Dubai. It's something that I've done most of my professional career. The last couple years to come here to Dubai, open the season, have success, obviously it's really nice to get off to a strong start to the season. That's the plan again this year.

The Northern Irishman is also seeking to become just the fifth player to win the same DP World Tour event, excluding WGCs, three years running, joining an elite group that includes Ian Woosnam (Monte Carlo Open, 1990-92), Sir Nick Faldo (Irish Open, 1991-93), Colin Montgomerie (BMW PGA Championship, 1998-2000), and Ernie Els (Heineken Classic, 2002-04).

“I think I talked about it the end of last year, and obviously winning the Seve Ballesteros Award, I think to be able to put my name up alongside the European greats of golf, Seve (Ballesteros), Faldo, (Bernhard) Langer, Woosie (Ian Woosnam), (Sandy) Lyle, like all these guys, it's amazing,” he added.

“My goal is to go out and try to get the best out of myself and play as good as I can, and thankfully that's ended up in winning a few tournaments here and there.

“But I understand that the window is very slowly closing, and I want to make sure I do everything I can to have the best career I possibly can.”

Earlier in the day, the 35-year-old was presented with the 2024 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year by his peers on the DP World Tour for the fourth occasion.

He was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s sons, Javier, who travelled to Dubai ahead of this week’s opening Rolex Series event, won by his father more than 30 years ago, and by McIlroy on four occasions in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024.

Also returning to the Majlis Course this week is McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland, who claimed victory in the 2022 edition of the tournament and is back in Dubai for the first time since that triumph.

“I love this place,” said Hovland.

“Even in 2019 when I played my first time, absolutely loved it. It's iconic. The tournament has been around for a long time. There's some history here. Great winners, and super honoured to be a part of the history. Good to be back. It's three years. It goes by so quick. So yeah, super pumped.”

Established in 1989, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest golf competition in the Middle East.

A key fixture on the DP World Tour and a part of the esteemed Rolex Series, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic was instrumental in introducing golf to the Middle East and producing some of the sport’s most memorable moments.