Johnson confirmed for Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut

4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson has committed to the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time in his career.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour and will tee off at the Emirates Golf Club from Jan. 22-25. Johnson joins a star-studded field that includes defending champion and fellow LIV Golf player Tyrrell Hatton of Legion XIII as well as reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy. European Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry are also in the field. The event is the first Rolex Series stop on the 2026 Race to Dubai.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the first time,” said Johnson, a two-time major winner. “I’ve heard great things about the event and Emirates Golf Club. When you look at past champions like Seve, Tiger and Rory, you know it’s a really prestigious tournament with incredible history. I’m excited to compete for the Dallah Trophy and be part of what is always a world-class field.”

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, highlighted the quality of the field.

"To welcome three global superstars of this calibre to the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is incredibly exciting," Corkill said. "With this being Dustin’s first professional tour event in Dubai, we’re thrilled to showcase Emirates Golf Club to one of the game’s biggest names. Alongside Tyrrell, Tommy and Rory, the quality and depth of our field continues to strengthen as we head into what promises to be an exceptional 37th edition.”

Johnson is coming off a LIV Golf season that saw him go winless for the first time in his four-year LIV Golf career, but he finished the season strong with a third-place finish at the Individual Championship in Indianapolis.