Veteran golfer Francesco Molinari positioned himself atop the leader board following a stellar opening round at the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a prestigious Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour. On Thursday, January 23, 2026, the Italian standout delivered a seven-under-par 65 on the course, instantly establishing himself as the man to catch in the chase for the massive $9 million prize purse for one of the most significant golfing tournaments in the region.
The 43-year-old former Open champion, who has six tour victories to his name, showed glimpses of his 2018 winning form despite admitting to feeling somewhat unprepared just a week prior to the competition. Molinari’s flawless round provided a significant push in his quest for his first DP World Tour title since his major triumph six years ago. His impressive start sets an electrifying tone for the rest of the Race to Dubai contest.
Contenders Face Early Challenges
While Molinari surged ahead, several high-profile contenders found themselves navigating early struggles in the demanding conditions. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton of England managed a two-under-par 70, keeping him within striking distance as the tournament progresses.
In contrast, four-time champion Rory McIlroy of Ireland, a perennial favourite, posted an uncharacteristic one-over-par 73. He finished the day tied with fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, both facing the task of recovering momentum in the subsequent rounds.
Fresh off his victory at last week’s Dubai Invitational, Spain’s Manuel Elvira continued his strong run of form with a respectable three-under-par 69. Countryman Adrián Otaegui finished the first day right on level par with a 72.
Local Talent Debuts on Professional Stage
The opening round also featured the professional debut of local talent Ahmed Skaik, captain of the UAE national team. Skaik, facing the pressure of the highly-competitive DP World Tour field, posted a six-over-par 78, reflecting the steep learning curve often encountered by players making the transition to the professional circuit in major events. His participation, however, highlights the tournament’s role in promoting golf within the UAE and offering local athletes exposure to world-class competition.
Implications for the Race to Dubai
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic marks a crucial stop on the DP World Tour calendar, offering invaluable points in the Race to Dubai standings. Molinari’s scorching start immediately places him in a strong position, raising expectations that the veteran could reclaim his top form following several quieter years since his major win.
For fans and players alike, the opening day showcased the unpredictable nature of elite golf. While Molinari’s performance was exceptional, the marginal distance between the leaders suggests that low scores will be required across the weekend to secure the prestigious title. With three more rounds remaining, the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of the chasing pack, including established champions like McIlroy and Hatton, to make up ground swiftly. The stage is set for a thrilling battle on the challenging Dubai course.