Patrick Reed claimed the fourth DP World Tour title of his career with a composed four shot victory at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.
Reed Delivers Under Pressure in Dubai
The American finished on fourteen under par to secure his first Rolex Series victory and become the sixth American winner of the Dallah Trophy. Reed showed patience throughout a testing final round, particularly on the front nine where he mixed eight pars with one bogey to reach the turn with his overnight lead trimmed to two.
Spain’s David Puig mounted an early challenge with three birdies from the eighth to briefly close the gap, but Reed steadied himself with a birdie at the par five tenth to maintain control of the contest.
Key Moments Shape Final Round
Momentum swung decisively on the back nine. Reed birdied the thirteenth as Puig dropped a shot on the same hole, restoring a four shot cushion with five holes to play. From there Reed played with authority, finding fairways and greens before parring his way home.
He finished five clear after Puig bogeyed the fifteenth, closing out a confident display to lift the Dallah Trophy for the first time.
Reed Reflects on Hard Fought Victory
“It has not fully set in yet,” Reed said. “Today was a lot harder than expected and I learned a lot about managing the round.
“I tried to protect the lead early and David made a great run, but my caddie reminded me it was time to go after it on the back nine. Once we made birdie at thirteen and he bogeyed, it was about staying patient and making no mistakes.”
Strong Supporting Cast on Leaderboard
Andy Sullivan recovered from a difficult start to finish birdie birdie and claim solo second place at ten under par. Julien Guerrier of France recorded his best Rolex Series finish in third at nine under after carding an eagle and two birdies.
Nicolai Hojgaard, Francesco Molinari and Race to Dubai leader Jayden Schaper finished a shot further back. Ricardo Gouveia, Marcus Armitage and Puig ended the week at seven under par, with Puig receiving a two shot penalty for grounding his club in a bunker on the final hole.
Trophy Presentation and Distinguished Guests
Reed lifted the famous Dallah Trophy following the presentation ceremony led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The presentation party included senior figures from Dubai sport, government and tournament partners, alongside representatives from the DP World Tour and Dubai Golf.
South African amateur Christiaan Maas was also recognised with the Emirates Golf Federation Leading Amateur award.
Youth Golf and Creator Events Shine
Tournament celebrations began a week earlier with the Junior Dubai Desert Classic, which awarded World Amateur Golf Ranking points for the second year. Denmark’s Christian Hansen secured victory after a dramatic playoff on the Majlis Course.
Running alongside was the expanded Creators Dubai Desert Classic, bringing together sixteen leading sporting content creators. Canadian Mac Boucher won the gross title while England’s Temps claimed the net competition, earning both players a place in the tournament Pro Am.
Sustainability and Player Wellbeing in Focus
The 37th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic maintained its GEO Certified status, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable golf events. The Green Incubator Challenge returned in partnership with Deloitte, with UK based Notpla named winners for their seaweed based packaging solution.
The Mental Fitness and Recovery Zone also returned, offering players access to massage, breathwork and mindfulness services throughout the week.
Tournament Director Praises Week in Dubai
Executive Tournament Director Simon Corkill said:
“Congratulations to Patrick on a dominant and well deserved victory. He played outstanding golf all week and earned his place on the Dallah Trophy.
“We welcomed one of the strongest fields in our history and delivered an event that combined world class sport, family entertainment, sustainability innovation and player wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.”
