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The DP World Tour season kicks off for 2026 with the Dubai Invitational getting underway in the Far East. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are both competing,with Fleetwood looking to defend his 2024 crown.

Two years ago, the Englishman delivered a spectacular birdie-birdie finish to edge out McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence, having started the final round just one shot ahead of his Northern Irish rival. McIlroy will be eager to turn the tables this year and exact revenge on Fleetwood.

With the Dubai Invitational now in full swing, the Mirror examines the tournament itself, the prize fund and some of its most memorable moments.

McIlroy must have been fuming in 2024 after making two costly errors in his duel with Fleetwood for the trophy. First came a three-putt bogey on the 14th hole, followed by a wayward tee shot that found the water on the 18th, essentially gifting the title to Fleetwood.

Reflecting on the tournament afterwards, he said: "First week back out, I think you're going to expect some of those sloppy mistakes, and unfortunately for me, those mistakes came at the wrong time today."

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Naturally, McIlroy went on to claim his maiden Masters title in April that year, thereby completing a Grand Slam - the pinnacle of golfing achievement. Buoyed by that 2025 triumph, he'll be determined to overcome Fleetwood and the rest of the field at this year's Dubai Invitational.

Dubai Creek Resort has attracted a field of 60 professional DP World Tour golfers and 60 amateur golfers with no cut, competing for a share of the £2million prize fund. McIlroy, Fleetwood and their rivals will be battling for the top prize, with £350,000 up for grabs for the tournament winner. The runner-up can still pocket over £200,000, while even the last-placed finisher will take home just under £6,000.

"I'm delighted to be defending my Dubai Invitational title in front of family and friends here in Dubai," said Fleetwood ahead of his return this weekend.

"Winning the first edition was a really special moment for me, and Abdulla did a fantastic job bringing the event to life. I can't wait to start the new year back at Dubai Creek Resort."

Three years ago, 54-year-old Ken Weyand produced a staggering 53-over-par performance at the Dubai Invitational, finishing last with 39 shots. He completed the four rounds an incredible 72 strokes behind champion Fleetwood at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht club course.

He carded rounds of 87, 82, 82 and a final 86 for a total of 337. To his credit, he did manage two birdies across his four rounds, but also racked up 25 bogeys, 10 double-bogeys, two triple bogeys and a quadruple bogey in the third round.

It later emerged that Weyand received his invitation from basketball legend Michael Jordan, who owns the Grove XX111 Golf Club near Jupiter in Florida, where Weyand serves as general manager. English golfer Eddie Pepperell expressed his frustration with the decision to grant him a place in the competition: "Limited man field, and old Ken Weyand gets an invite and then does this. I don't care if he's Ken from Barbie, it shouldn't happen."