As the international golf calendar moves into full swing, India’s leading professional Shubhankar Sharma begins his 2026 campaign this week at the prestigious Hero Dubai Desert Classic, one of the most celebrated tournaments on the DP World Tour.
While his competitive season technically began with the BMW Australian PGA Championship in November, this week’s start in Dubai marks the first major milestone of his calendar year and a significant checkpoint in what could be a defining season.
For Sharma, Dubai has become a familiar and important stop. This will be his eighth consecutive appearance at the tournament, a testament to both his consistency at the top level and the respect he commands on tour. The Emirates Golf Club, with its demanding Majlis Course and deep international field, has long been considered one of the true measuring sticks of elite professional golf. A strong showing here does more than just earn ranking points it sends an early signal of a player’s form and ambitions for the year ahead.
Sharma arrives in Dubai with renewed confidence after securing his DP World Tour card for the 2026 season in emphatic fashion. At the Final Stage of the Qualifying School in Spain last November, he produced a series of composed and high-quality rounds to finish tied second, comfortably earning his playing rights for the new season. That result was particularly significant given the intense pressure of Q-School, where only a limited number of players emerge with full status. For Sharma, it was not just about qualification but about proving that he remains capable of competing at the highest level after more than a decade on the professional circuit.
Over the years, Sharma has carved out a reputation as one of India’s most reliable performers on the global stage. From his breakthrough wins on the DP World Tour to strong showings in major championships, he has consistently carried the Indian flag into elite fields across continents. His journey has also been shaped by adaptability — learning to thrive on different grasses, in varying climates, and against ever-evolving competition. That experience now becomes a key asset as he begins another long and demanding season.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic offers a perfect platform for Sharma to set the tone for 2026. Known for its rich history and world-class lineup, the tournament has been won by many of the sport’s biggest names, and competing well here brings instant credibility. For Sharma, a good week in Dubai would not only provide a valuable points haul but also deliver an early psychological boost, reinforcing the belief that he belongs in the top tier of the DP World Tour.
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Speaking ahead of the tournament, Sharma made no secret of his fondness for the event. “It was awesome to receive an invite and I love this event, having played it so many times. Hopefully I can make it count with a good showing,” he said. That familiarity could work to his advantage. Knowing the subtleties of the course, the prevailing winds, and the rhythm of the week allows a player to focus purely on execution rather than adaptation.
Since 2024, Sharma has been associated with Roundglass, a partnership that reflects his growing stature and the increasing commercial confidence in Indian golfers performing on the global stage. With a packed calendar ahead, 2026 offers him multiple opportunities to consolidate his world ranking, post strong finishes, and continue to build India’s presence in elite international golf.
The opening months of a season often shape its narrative. A fast start can ease pressure and open doors to bigger events, while a slow one can make the road ahead more demanding. For Sharma, Dubai is therefore more than just another tournament it is a chance to establish momentum, reaffirm his credentials, and remind the golfing world of the quality he brings to the fairways.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic runs from January 22 to 26, drawing some of the best players from across the globe. As Sharma steps onto the first tee, he does so not only as one of India’s most experienced professionals but also as a golfer eager to turn a promising qualification campaign into a season of meaningful results. For Indian golf fans, his journey in Dubai will be watched closely, as Sharma looks to begin 2026 with the kind of statement that sets the tone for everything that follows.
