The 2026 Dubai Invitational is rapidly shaping into a premier global golf spectacle with the confirmed participation of international stars Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Ryan Fox. Scheduled for January 15-18 at Dubai Creek Resort, the tournament now features an exceptionally strong field that includes defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and five-time Major winner Rory McIlroy.
Danish sensation Neergaard-Petersen brings remarkable momentum following his recent breakthrough victory at the Crown Australian Open, where he outperformed former Open Champion Cam Smith in a dramatic final-round showdown. The 27-year-old’s rapid ascent includes three 2024 wins on the HotelPlanner Tour that earned him DP World Tour promotion and the Road to Mallorca Rankings title. His 2025 campaign further solidified his status with dual PGA TOUR membership secured.
“I’m really looking forward to making my debut at the Dubai Invitational,” Neergaard-Petersen stated. “Starting 2026 in the UAE with momentum from my Australian Open win is exactly where I want to be.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox arrives following the most successful season of his professional career. The 38-year-old achieved dual PGA TOUR victories in 2025 at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic and RBC Canadian Open, both secured through playoffs within a remarkable four-start stretch. Fox previously triumphed at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship and will be pursuing his fifth DP World Tour title in Dubai.
“Dubai has always been a special place for me to play golf, and after the year I’ve had, I’m excited to bring that form to Dubai Creek Resort,” Fox commented. “I enjoyed the inaugural edition in 2024, and the venue is fantastic. With Tommy defending and Rory returning, it’s going to be a world-class field.”
Tournament host Abdulla Al Naboodah welcomed the additions, noting: “We are delighted to welcome Ryan Fox and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Both players have demonstrated outstanding skill and consistency on the international stage, and their inclusion enhances an already distinguished field.”
The biennial Dubai Invitational serves as the opening event of the Race to Dubai’s International Swing, featuring a unique format with 60 DP World Tour professionals and 60 amateur golfers participating in a three-day Pro-Am, concluding with exclusive professional competition on Sunday.