Dubai, Jan 21 (NationPress) The current Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, is back at the 37th Dubai Desert Classic hosted at Emirates Golf Club this week, with his sights set firmly on establishing a lasting legacy. As he pursues more titles, the 36-year-old golfer is also aiming for an Olympic medal and additional Major Championships as part of his long-term aspirations.

Dubai holds a unique significance for McIlroy. It was two decades ago that he first graced Dubai as a 16-year-old amateur in 2006, a debut that resulted in a missed cut while Tiger Woods bested Ernie Els in a playoff for the championship. After turning professional, McIlroy finished T-52 in 2007 and again missed the cut in 2008, but since 2009, this event has felt like his territory.

In addition to the spotlight on McIlroy, the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic will showcase compelling Indian narratives. Both Shubhankar Sharma and Yuvraj Singh Sandhu have received special invitations to compete, enhancing India’s representation at this prestigious Rolex Series event.

Making his tournament debut, Sandhu will commence his round on Thursday at 8:45 a.m. from the 10th tee, sharing the course with David Law from Scotland and Ahmad Skaik from the UAE. Meanwhile, Sharma, who has already participated in the Desert Classic eight times and boasts two DP World Tour titles, will tee off at 12:45 p.m. from the 1st tee, alongside Ockie Strydom from South Africa and Ángel Hidalgo from Spain.

Returning to World No. 2, McIlroy has consistently finished within the Top-10 from 2009 to 2024, clinching the coveted Dallah Trophy four times—in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024. He made history in 2009 when, at just 19 years and 273 days, he became the youngest champion in the tournament's history, heralding the rise of a future golf icon. With five Majors (including a career Grand Slam) and a collection of international titles, McIlroy is not just a champion; he is one of the sport's most influential figures.

When asked about his ongoing motivation, he shared goals that transcend routine tour victories: “Yes, an Olympic medal, the Open at St Andrews, and perhaps a U.S. Open at one of those historic golf courses, whether it's Shinnecock this year or Winged Foot, Pebble Beach, or Merion. As you achieve things, the goals evolve, and you continually discover new aspirations.”

The 2026 lineup reaffirms the tournament’s Rolex Series prestige, gathering a mix of Major champions, Ryder Cup talents, and DP World Tour victors. Alongside McIlroy, spectators will witness familiar Major winners, such as Shane Lowry, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed. The Ryder Cup representatives include Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Viktor Hovland, while notable DP World Tour names such as Adrian Meronk, Rasmus Højgaard, and Ryan Fox will also participate.

With McIlroy's legacy objectives and career-building chances for others, including the Indian duo, the star-studded Hero Dubai Desert Classic promises to be an exhilarating beginning to the early 2026 golf calendar.