Six LIV Golfers Set To Tee It Up At The Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Six LIV Golfers are in the field for the DP World Tour's first singles event of 2025, with some huge names heading to Emirates GC in Dubai

Jon Rahm hits a bunker shot
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
By
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The 2025 golfing year is underway, with a bumper field set to be present at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, as defending champion Rory McIlroy returns to go after a fifth Dallah Trophy at Emirates GC.

Alongside the four-time Major winner are the likes of Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood and Askhay Bhatia, as well as six big names from the LIV Golf League.

Rory McIlroy holds up four fingers whilst standing next to the Dubai Desert Classic trophy

McIlroy returns to defend his title

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Amongst those making the journey to Dubai is the League's Individual Champion, Jon Rahm, who is actually making his debut in the tournament, whilst his Legion XIII teammate, Tyrrell Hatton, makes his first competitive appearance in 2025.

Possessing a good record in the event, Hatton comes into the tournament on a fine run of form that includes four straight top 10s, including a third victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October.

Another player returning to Dubai is Patrick Reed, who was involved in an epic tussle with McIlroy back in 2023 that ended with the American finishing runner-up to the Northern Irishman. Along with Reed, you can expect to see Thomas Pieters, Adrian Meronk and Dean Burmester present.

Paul Casey With The Trophy At The Dubai Desert Classic

A total of five LIV players have won this event, the last being Paul Casey in 2021

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic serves as the first individual event on the DP World Tour in 2025, and follows the Team Cup which is being played the week before. Amongst those in that field are LIV Golf's Hatton, who will be part of Justin Rose's Team GB&I.

In terms of LIV Golf's season, the majority of the Leagues players are set to tee it up at International Series India, a new event on the Asian Tour that will include current US Open champion, Bryson DeChambeau.

From there, the various players will then head to Riyadh for the opening event of the 2025 LIV Golf season, followed by LIV Golf Adelaide the week after (14-16th February).

Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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