'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
LIV Golf star Jon Rahm will debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January 2025. The Spanish golfer has won ten European Tour events but has yet to play at the prestigious Dubai-based tournament.
Previously, Rahm started his year by competing in PGA Tour events. However, due to his current ban from the American circuit after joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, he will start next year with the DP World Tour event instead.
Trending
The event's executive director, Simon Corkill, expressed excitement about Rahm's participation, saying (via Golf Monthly):
"The Hero Dubai Desert Classic prides itself on bringing the finest players. The confirmation that Jon Rahm will make his debut on the Majlis Course in January is certainly continuation of that and we’re delighted to announce his inclusion in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fields in the event’s history.
Jon Rahm’s record speaks for itself, and his presence alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and other European Ryder Cup stars offers golf fans an unparalleled opportunity to witness the best in the world competing at Emirates Golf Club."
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, established in 1989, is one of the oldest golf events on the European Tour. Over the years, iconic golfers such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Seve Ballesteros have claimed the title.
McIlroy won the last two editions. In 2024, he secured a one-stroke victory over Adrian Meronk, who joined LIV Golf earlier this year. He claimed the 2023 title by edging past Patrick Reed, another LIV Golfer, by one stroke. The World No. 3 has won the event four times in his career and will aim to defend his title in 2025, chasing a historic hat trick of victories.
"It will be great to get back there" – Jon Rahm on making his Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut
Although Jon Rahm has played in Dubai, he has never participated in the Desert Classic. Looking forward to his debut, he said (via Golf Monthly):
"This is an event that I have heard a lot about and I am looking forward to making my Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut in January. I have had a lot of success in Dubai in the past so it’s a place that holds a lot of good memories for me, and it will be great to get back there.”
In 2024, Rahm played several DP World Tour events to maintain his membership for the upcoming season. He competed in the Open de España, where he led after four rounds but finished second following a playoff. He also participated in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, securing T7 and sixth place, respectively.
The 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be held from January 18 to 21 at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.
