Dubai Invitational Tips

World number 2 Rory McIlroy has been in brilliant form and will be looking to add another major win this year. He plays well in the desert, having finished top 5 in 2 out of his last 3 events. He finished T2 in the DP World Tour Championship. Predict him to start the year off with a win.

2025 saw Scraper get his first two wins. His ranking has shot up to 59th in the world, and 2026 looks a promising year for him.

The current top two in the betting are good players and they should be doing well but, their odds are possibly too short , others have chances. David Puig has the ability to be doing well in this, his all-round game looked good in the recent events he took part in and he's a player who usually holds his form well.

A prolific desert golfer with multiple wins in the UAE. His aggressive birdie-making style is suited to this low-scoring shootout, and he consistently produces his best golf in this region, making him a reliable play.

Patrick Reed has the ability to be doing well in this. He wasn't at best form when last in action but he's had a rest since then so he should be raring to go again now. He usually does well around this time of the year.

He finished 3rd here in the inaugural 2024 edition and excels on desert tracks that share characteristics with links golf. His proven ability to handle the 'creek' layout and strong regional form offer great value.

Julien Guerrier showed small signs of improvement in those last few events he played in, it's possible he can improve a bit more this coming season. His type of game should be well suited to this particular course.

Shaun Norris won once and was second twice last year. On top of that, he had a further seven top-ten finishes. He could quite easily fill a top-five position.