The Creators Dubai Desert Classic will return for its second edition from 17 to 18 January 2026. The event brings together 16 leading sports content creators from across social media to compete in a creator-led version of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. For 2026, the competition expands from one day to a two-day format, allowing more time for storytelling and on-course content that highlights both elite golf and Dubai as a global destination.
The two-round strokeplay tournament will take place at Emirates Golf Club. The opening round will be played on the evening of 17 January on the Faldo Course, with play held under floodlights against the Dubai Marina skyline. The second round will follow on 18 January on the Majlis Course, the same course that will host the main tournament days later.
The event builds on the strong performance of its first edition. Content from the inaugural Creators Dubai Desert Classic reached 13.3 million views from a single feature video and contributed to an estimated 192 million impressions when combined with the wider influencer programme. The organisers position the event as the largest creator-led golf competition in the Middle East, using social platforms to extend the reach of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic beyond traditional broadcast audiences.
The 2026 field includes creators from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Participants include Mac Boucher, Sara Winter, Jay Bark, ForeBrothers, Georgia Ball, Ellie Skoog, Temps, Max & Harry, Owen “Hoyzie”, Caitlinn Mazza, Mei Brennan, Zaire Olde, and Tyler Hamilton.
Mac Boucher said:
“Being part of the inaugural Creators Dubai Desert Classic was genuinely special, and it’s exciting to see how intentionally the event is evolving. Bringing creators into a world-class tournament environment in a meaningful way is an important part of where golf is heading, and Dubai is clearly leading that shift. Coming back again this year was an easy decision.”
Georgia Ball said:
“The inaugural Creators Dubai Desert Classic showed what’s possible when you bring creators together in the right environment with the right access. A week-long event takes that to another level – more time for authentic moments, better storytelling, and the chance to really showcase why Dubai is the perfect destination for golf and so much more.”
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said:
“The Creators Dubai Desert Classic was created to address a clear shift in how golf is consumed globally. While traditional broadcast remains vital, the fastest audience growth is happening through digital storytellers who shape culture, lifestyle and sport in real time. The results from our inaugural edition exceeded expectations, we’re giving these creators the access, time and authentic moments they needed to connect with younger and non-traditional golf audiences worldwide – while showcasing Dubai as the ultimate destination for world-class sport and lifestyle.”
The 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic will take place from 22 to 25 January 2026 at Emirates Golf Club. The field will include defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, alongside Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry, Joaquín Niemann, and Pádraig Harrington.
Away from the course, spectators can visit Tournament Town, which will feature live music, entertainment, the Eat Street food area, and activities for children. General admission will be free on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January. Weekend tickets for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January will cost AED 100 when purchased in advance or AED 125 on the day. Children under 17 will receive free entry on all four days when registered and accompanied by an adult. Hospitality options include The Social on Sixteen from AED 695 and The Dallah Lounge from AED 2,100. Further details and tickets are available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
The Creators Dubai Desert Classic highlight video will be released on 20 January across the Hero Dubai Desert Classic social channels. Audiences can follow updates via @dubaidcgolf on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.