Major winners join Rory McIlroy in Dubai Invitational field

Former Open champions Shane Lowry and Francesco Molinari will join Rory McIlroy in the field at the Dubai Invitational. 

The $2.7m DP World Tour event is the first stop on the circuit's International Swing. 

It will be contested at Dubai Creek Resort over 15-18 January. 

Tommy Fleetwood is the defending champion. 

McIlroy will play his first event of the calendar year before teeing it up at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic a week later. 

The Northern Irishman has won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic a record four times (2009, 2015, 2023, 2024). 

LIV Golf recruit Dustin Johnson is a notable participant in the first of five Roles Series tournaments. 

Lowry, who secured the crucial half-point that retained the Ryder Cup for Europe at Bethpage Black last September, will attempt to win his seventh DP World Tour title. 

The 38-year-old boasts an impressive record in the UAE, which includes victory at the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. 

"I'm excited to make my debut at the Dubai Invitational," said Lowry. "The UAE has always been a special place for me, and after the year we've had with the Ryder Cup, I'm looking forward to getting 2026 started in Dubai."

Molinari, one of Luke Donald's five vice-captains, said: "I really enjoyed the inaugural Dubai Invitational and I'm delighted to be returning.

"Dubai Creek Resort is a fantastic venue, and the Pro-Am format makes it such an enjoyable event."

The Dubai Invitational is the opening event on the Race to Dubai's International Swing and is played concurrently with a three-day Pro-Am team event, with Sunday featuring professionals only. 

The bi-annual event consists of 60 professional DP World Tour golfers and 60 amateur golfers.

General admission tickets are free of charge. 

Fans looking to enhance their experience can upgrade to a Premium Experience, including the Championship Chalet with stunning views of the 18th fairway and green, featuring five-star catering with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, free-flowing beverages, and a prime positioned balcony in an air-conditioned setting.

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