2026 Hero Dubai Classic Betting Odds and Preview

Last Updated on January 21, 2026 12:36 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Emirates Golf Club takes the spotlight once again in 2026 as the Hero Dubai Classic kicks off the Rolex series calendar and brings the DP World Tour to the United Arab Emirates.

Rory McIlroy, currently ranked number two in the world, returns to a venue where he has built much of his legend. The 2025 edition featured Tyrrell Hatton as the star player, who won after a thrilling finish: with a final round of 69 and a total of -15, he beat New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier by one stroke and lifted the Dallah Trophy, equaling Jon Rahm’s record with five titles in the Rolex Series. Hatton now arrives as the defending champion, with the difficult task of repeating a feat reserved for very few.

Beyond names and defenses, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic marks the formal start of the 2026 Rolex Series, a stretch of the calendar with five top-level stops, reinforced purses, and key points for the Race to Dubai.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all golf predictions, the final bets, and the odds.

2026 Hero Dubai Classic Betting Odds and Info

2026 Hero Dubai Classic Top Contenders

All eyes once again turn to Rory McIlroy, who arrives as the clear favorite and the most accomplished player in the history of this tournament. The Northern Irishman is celebrating twenty years since his first appearance in Dubai and has built an extraordinary record at Emirates Golf Club, with four victories and eleven consecutive top-ten finishes. His combination of power, high ball flight, and aggressive par-5 scoring makes him perfectly suited to this course, and his current form only strengthens his case as the man to beat.

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton returns with the difficult task of repeating his 2025 triumph, when he edged Daniel Hillier by a single stroke. Hatton’s intensity and elite iron play are major assets on a layout that punishes imprecision, but the mental challenge of defending a Rolex Series title cannot be underestimated. If he maintains control off the tee and avoids costly mistakes late in rounds, another strong finish is well within reach.

Tommy Fleetwood rounds out the group of main contenders. The Englishman continues to be one of the most reliable performers on the DP World Tour, particularly on courses where wind management and shot shaping are essential. Although he lacks a Dubai title, his consistency and comfort in these conditions make him a serious threat to contend deep into Sunday.

2026 Hero Dubai Classic Outside Picks

Outside the headline favorites, Viktor Hovland stands out as a dangerous option. A former champion at Emirates Golf Club, Hovland has the ball-striking ability to dominate this course, though his chances will depend heavily on how well he manages the greens throughout the week.

Jayden Schaper also deserves attention as the current Race to Dubai leader.The South African has shown maturity beyond his years and possesses the distance and composure required for long, demanding tournaments. If his wedge game holds up, he has the potential to be firmly in contention over the weekend.

Among the emerging talents, David Puig continues to make strides on the DP World Tour. Already a winner this season, the Spaniard has the confidence and aggressiveness needed to capitalize if conditions are favorable. Similarly, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen’s steady progression suggests he could surprise if he limits mistakes and takes advantage of scoring opportunities early.

Prize Bag

The prize pool for the 2026 Hero Dubai Classic is set at $9,000,000, placing it among the most lucrative events on the DP World Tour calendar. In addition to the financial rewards, the tournament offers 8,000 Race to Dubai points, underlining its importance within the Rolex Series and its impact on the season-long standings.

2026 Hero Dubai Classic Betting Picks