The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) took the tournament’s iconic Dallah Trophy on a week-long tour of Dubai’s schools in the lead up to the tournament, which started on Thursday. The trophy tour kicked off on Monday January 13th at Sunmarke School where pupils were also treated to a golf taster lesson and a special surprise visit from DP World

Rory McIlroy is making his 2025 debut in the desert. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Rory McIlroy chasing record fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic and third in as many years; Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood all feature at the Rolex Series event; watch live on Thursday from 4am

Golf betting expert Dave Tindall's three first-round leader tips for the Dubai Desert Classic 2025 including Paul Waring at 60/1 this week on the Betfair Sportsbook

Viktor Hovland is deep in the Nashville swing instructor scene. His new instructor, TJ Yeaton, is based out of Belle Meade. Big step up for him. He sent me a video breakdown of my swing Saturday. Now he’s working with Hovland. pic.twitter.com/Rr77j1ywaU

A determined Tyrrell Hatton looks good value to topple McIlroy, Rahm and the rest of the Dubai Desert Classic field this week. He scored three and a half points from four matches in the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi, warming up nicely for Dubai.

Dubai Desert Classic Each-Way Tips as Matt Cooper backs 35/1 shot Patrick Reed to return to the winner's circle and two more bets for this week's event

Séamus Powerwithdraws from American Express Championship at La Quinta on the PGA Tour after suffering recurrence of a back injury