• With just one day to go until the 35th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic begins, McIlroy teed off his 2024 campaign from the roof of Atlantis The Royal, Dubai overlooking the picturesque Dubai skyline 
• The World No. 2 and three-time winner of the region’s longest running golf event aims to win his fourth Dallah Trophy at Emirates Golf Club 
• The introduction to the biggest golf event of the year saw McIlroy land the perfect start with a dream hole-in-one before plays begins on Thursday 18th January. 

Dubai, UAE, 18 January 2024: Brace yourselves for an electrifying start to the 35th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, as golf sensation and World Number 2, Rory McIlroy kick-started his quest for glory with an impressive stunt on top of the iconic Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. The 2023 defending champion is searching for his fourth Dallah trophy with the Rolex Series event set to begin at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday.

In impressive fashion, the unique setting would provide the perfect start to the week, with McIlroy creating a hole-in-one scene to mark the 24-hour countdown until play commences at the illustrious Emirates Golf Club, home to the region’s longest running golf event.

The Northern Irishman's audacious drive not only set the stage for an epic week but also delivered a jaw-dropping hole-in-one, setting the golfing world ablaze with anticipation. McIlroy, a triumphant conqueror of the Majlis course in 2009, 2015, and 2023, aims to etch his name in history as the first-ever four-time champion of this illustrious event.

Returning to the city he once called home, McIlroy expressed his excitement, saying: "I'm thrilled to be back on the Majlis this weekend, a course filled with cherished memories, especiallyfrom last year's triumphant finish. Dubai holds a special place in my heart, and the dynamic evolution of the city is truly awe-inspiring. The view from where we stand is a testament to that, and I am really looking forward to this weekend's event.

McIlroy will face competition from an elite field of golf’s top talents, with Major Winners, Pádraig Harrington and Francesco Molinari, World No.9 and reigning Open Champion Brian Harman, as well as fellow Ryder Cup winning teammates Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton among the star-studded names set to take part this weekend.

Fans attending the historic 35th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic can look forward to a thrilling weekend on and off the course, with exciting additions to the new-look Tournament Town providing fun for all the family, while all-new vantage points located across the illustrious Majlis course will provide golf enthusiasts with stunning views of the city skyline and incredible viewing points to witness the action on display.

FREE general admission tickets  are still available but limited, get yours now on dubaidesertclassic.com and via the Hero Dubai Desert Classic app available on App Store or Google Play. For more information, please visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com.

Organisers are also encouraging fans to use the Metro service to travel to and from the tournament, with Al Khail station located directly outside the club’s main entrance, with limited parking available for the event.