Indian golf will have a strong presence at one of the DP World Tour’s most prestigious events, as Shubhankar Sharma and Yuvraj Sandhu have received invitations to compete at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, scheduled from January 22 to 25 at the iconic Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course.
The Rolex Series event, backed by the Hero Group, carries a prize purse of USD 9 million and traditionally attracts a world-class field featuring major champions and Ryder Cup stars.
For Indian golf, the invitations represent both continuity and progression—Sharma returning to familiar territory in Dubai as an established international performer, and Sandhu stepping onto one of the biggest stages of his career following a dominant domestic season.
Shubhankar Sharma: A Return with Renewed Purpose
For Shubhankar Sharma, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be his eighth consecutive appearance at the marquee event. The 28-year-old, a two-time DP World Tour winner, is no stranger to the challenges of the Majlis Course and has enjoyed some of his better performances in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The invitation comes at a crucial juncture in Sharma’s career. After enduring a difficult 2025 season in which he lost his DP World Tour card, Sharma showed resilience and composure by finishing second at the Qualifying School late last year, reclaiming his playing rights for the 2026 season. That strong showing ensured he could start the new campaign with renewed confidence rather than uncertainty.
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The early weeks of the 2026 DP World Tour season have already provided encouraging signs. Sharma featured in events in Australia and then at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, where he finished tied for 32nd. More importantly, the Mauritius event offered reassurance about the state of his game.
“The week in Mauritius gave me a lot of confidence about my game,” Sharma said, adding that equipment changes made during the off-season have helped him feel more settled and in control.
Dubai, therefore, represents more than just another tournament. A strong performance at a Rolex Series event could help Sharma gain momentum early in the season, improve his Race to Dubai standing, and secure more starts in high-profile tournaments.
“I am looking forward to a good 2026. The aim is to get into the Majors and do well there,” Sharma said. He has already shown his ability to compete at the highest level, having finished inside the top 10 at The Open Championship in 2023, a result that underlined his potential on the global stage.
Yuvraj Sandhu: A Reward for Domestic Dominance
While Sharma arrives in Dubai with years of international experience, Yuvraj Sandhu will make his debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, marking a significant milestone in his career. The invitation follows a sensational 2025 season on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), where Sandhu emerged as the standout performer.
Sandhu captured an extraordinary seven titles during the domestic season, setting a new record for most wins in a single year on the PGTI. He also rewrote the earnings record, finishing the season with the highest prize money haul in Indian domestic golf history. His consistency, composure under pressure, and ability to close out tournaments established him as India’s most dominant domestic golfer in recent times.
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The Dubai invitation was extended through Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal, continuing the Hero Group’s long-standing role in supporting Indian golfers and providing them with exposure at elite international events. In 2025, Veer Ahlawat had received a similar opportunity, highlighting a growing pathway for Indian players transitioning from domestic success to global competition.
For Sandhu, the Dubai Desert Classic will be a valuable test against a field stacked with proven winners. The experience of competing on the Majlis Course, known for its demanding layout, fast greens, and strategic water hazards, will offer crucial learning ahead of his broader DP World Tour ambitions.
A Star-Studded Field Awaits
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is renowned for the quality of its field, and the 2026 edition is no exception. Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the tournament and the reigning Masters champion, headlines the entry list. He will be joined by Tommy Fleetwood, the DP World India Championship winner; defending champion Tyrrell Hatton; former Masters winner Patrick Reed; and Eugenio Chacarra, the Hero Indian Open champion from Spain.
For Sharma and Sandhu, competing alongside such names is both a challenge and an opportunity—an environment where strong performances can quickly elevate confidence and global standing.
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With the DP World Tour season still in its early stages, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic offers Sharma and Sandhu a chance to make a meaningful statement. For Sharma, it is about rebuilding momentum and reaffirming his place among the tour’s regular contenders. For Sandhu, it is an invaluable first step into elite international competition, earned through sustained excellence at home.
As Indian golf continues to search for consistent global breakthroughs, the presence of two Indian players at one of the tour’s flagship events underlines steady progress. How Sharma and Sandhu fare in Dubai could set the tone not just for their seasons, but for Indian golf’s aspirations on the world stage in 2026.
