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.

Betfair form stats for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with tips, latest odds, course information and starting prices preview by Andy Swales

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

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

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025 is celebrating the wide-reaching health and wellness benefits of golf for both spectators and players with the launch of Step Fore It, an exciting new initiative that will challenge tournament visitors to rack up as many steps as possible throughout the event – with prizes for those topping the leaderboard.

Rory McIlroy’s twin wins at the Emirates Golf Club in the past two years could scarcely have evoked more contrasting responses. When he defended his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title last year, he was a picture of contentment.

Speaking to the media at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Wednesday, the four-time Major winner covered a number of topics as he gets his 2025 season underway