LIV golfer Jon Rahm is set to make the most of the Saudi-backed tour’s off-season – and bolster his chances of qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team – by making his first ever appearance in the Dubai Desert Classic in January.
The Spaniard, who jumped ship to LIV Golf at the start of this year after being lured away by a reported $400m signing on fee, will make his debut appearance at the DP World Tour’s showpiece event at Emirates Golf Club on January 16.
Rahm will join fellow European Ryder Cup players Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in a world-class field at the prestigious $9 million Rolex Series event.
The 10-time DP World Tour winner said: “This is an event that I have heard a lot about, and I am looking forward to making my Hero Dubai Desert Classic debut in January.
“I have had a lot of success in Dubai in the past, so it’s a place that holds a lot of good memories for me, and it will be great to get back there.”
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic, commented: “If you look back at the roll call of past winners of the event, it’s clear that the Hero Dubai Desert Classic prides itself on bringing the finest players on the planet together to compete on what is a truly iconic stage.
“The confirmation that Jon Rahm will make his debut on the Majlis Course in January is certainly a continuation of that and we’re delighted to announce his inclusion in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fields in the event’s history.”
With LIV Golf’s 2025 schedule not due to start until February 6, Rahm, along with other players in the league with DP World Tour cards, will have an opportunity to earn world ranking and Ryder Cup points.