Jon Rahm will make his debut at the DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, another sign of golf's slowly changing landscape.
The Spaniard has never played in the prestigious event at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, having started his season on the PGA Tour playing in the American Express and Farmers Insurance Open.
However, with Rahm still suspended from the PGA Tour due to joining LIV Golf, he will now join defending champion Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in Dubai from January 16-19 Rolex series events held.
It's a huge win for the DP World Tour as Rahm's name is a huge boost for the tournament and it's also good for the two-time Grand Slam champion who has a massive of Official World Golf Ranking points and, of course, Ryder Cup points.
“This is an event I’ve heard about many times and I’m looking forward to making my debut at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January,” said Rahm.
“I've had a lot of success in Dubai in the past, so it's a place that has a lot of great memories for me and it's great to be back there.”
Rahm is a three-time winner of the Dubai DP World Tour Championship and the 2019 Race to Dubai winner.
Jon Rahm wins DP World Tour three times
(Image source: Getty Images)
The 10-time DP World Tour champion has maintained his membership by participating in the minimum four events required to keep his card this year while appealing the fine and suspension he received for joining LIV.
As the appeal continues, the likes of Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could compete on the DP World Tour.
They join LIV golfers such as Sergio Garcia, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed who were awarded European Tour status after paying fines Membership.
Rahm's first priority for the new season will be the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club to get off to a good start in 2025 and take on some of the European Ryder Cup members.
“If you look back at the list of past event winners, you will see that the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is proud to bring together the best players on the planet to compete on a truly iconic stage,” event executives said. Directed by Simon Coquill.
“The confirmation that Jon Rahm will make his debut at the Parliament Stadium in January is undoubtedly a continuation of this plan and we are delighted to announce that he will join one of the most exciting fields in the history of the competition.
“Rhm’s record speaks for itself and his appearance alongside Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and other European Ryder Cup stars provides golf fans with an unparalleled opportunity to see it firsthand The best players in the world compete at Emirates Golf Club.”
