With the dust barely settled on a standout 2025 edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Simon Corkill, in his own words, gives us his reflections on the event.
I’m immensely proud of how this tournament has evolved and continues to be one of most iconic events on the global golfing calendar. This year’s edition truly raised the bar, delivering an unforgettable experience both on and off the course.
From the outset, we set ourselves the challenge of building on the success of previous years, and the feedback we’ve received in the first 48 to 72 hours post-event has been overwhelmingly positive. Stakeholders, players, and fans have been genuinely impressed, with some calling it the best tournament outside of the Majors. It’s humbling to hear such praise, but it’s also a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making this event a success.
This year, we were privileged to witness Tyrrell Hatton lift the iconic Dallah Trophy. Tyrrell’s win epitomises the spirit of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where the cream always rises to the top. The course setup, created in collaboration with the DP World Tour and Emirates Golf Club, was tough but fair, and it rewarded a player of Tyrrell’s calibre. His talent, determination, and ability to deliver on the big stage made him a very worthy champion.
One of the most memorable moments for me was hearing Tyrrell’s heartfelt comments about the tournament. He shared a story about feigning illness as a child in England just to stay home and watch this event on TV. For him to now hold the Dallah Trophy is a full-circle moment that highlights the significance of this tournament in the minds of players and fans alike. His journey and genuine appreciation for the event shows its enduring appeal among the players.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has long been a cornerstone of Dubai’s golfing heritage. Since its inception in 1989, it has grown to become a flagship event, not just for Dubai but for global golf. The transition to becoming a Rolex Series event was a pivotal moment, elevating its status and ensuring we continue to attract the world’s best players. This year’s field was one of the strongest in our history, featuring stars like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland. Having these players choose Dubai over other global events speaks volumes about the stature of this tournament.
The Emirates Golf Club, with its iconic Majlis Course, remains the beating heart of this event. Despite advances in club and ball technology and the increasing demands of championship golf, the course’s timeless design continues to challenge and excite players. This year’s winning score of 15-under-par, not 23-under like they have in some events around the world, is testament to its enduring quality and the strategic test it offers.
Sustainability remains at the core of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. In 2025, we continued to build on our GEO Certified® status with initiatives like the Green Incubator Challenge. It’s a Dragons Den style challenge which invites people to pitch innovative ideas for a green initiative we can roll out in 2027. We’ve seen a significant uptick in fans using the Metro to reduce traffic and emissions, and our partnership with local stakeholders has been instrumental in driving sustainable practices. From refillable water stations to mangrove tree planting through our “Go for the Green” initiative, we’re proud of the positive environmental impact we’ve achieved.
Our commitment to Innovation extends beyond sustainability. The return of the Mental Fitness Zone offered players state-of-the-art facilities to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Feedback from players and officials, including Dr. Andrew Murray, Chief Medical Officer of the DP World Tour, has been exceptional. This unique offering has set a new standard in player care and well-being.
Fan engagement is central to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic’s success. This year, our Tournament Town was bigger and better than ever, featuring live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and world-class food and beverages. The introduction of the “Step Fore It” challenge encouraged fans to embrace the physical and mental health benefits of golf, with some logging an incredible 27,000 steps per day around the course.
We also launched the ‘Social on Sixteen’ ticket package, with inclusive beverages and food on a prime viewing spot overlooking the 16th green, which sold out on multiple days and provided a fresh way for fans to enjoy the tournament. Additionally, we hosted the Creators Dubai Desert Classic before the tournament, which brought new audiences to the event through engaging digital content, which I think highlights our commitment to reaching younger and more diverse demographics.
As we turn our attention to 2026, the focus remains on continuous improvement. Planning is already underway, with discussions starting to secure key players early and enhance every touchpoint of the event. We’re committed to maintaining our status as one of the premier tournaments on the DP World Tour and will keep striving to set new benchmarks in sustainability, innovation, and fan engagement.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of Dubai’s vision, resilience, and passion for excellence. Together with our partners, players, and fans, we’ve created something truly special. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—and here’s to an even brighter future.
