DP World Tour Unveils Comprehensive Global Tournament Schedule For 2026 Season

The 2026 DP World Tour schedule has been unveiled, featuring the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship and a new venue for the Amgen Irish Open. This season will include at least 42 Race to Dubai tournaments across 25 countries. The schedule is divided into three phases: five 'Global Swings,' the 'Back 9,' and concluding with the 'DP World Tour Play-Offs' in November.

Members will compete for a record prize fund of $157.5 million, excluding Major Championships. The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, part of the European Swing, is set for May 7-10 at Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona. This event marks its return to the DP World Tour since hosting the 2015 Open de España.

The Amgen Irish Open will be held at Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Doonbeg, from September 10-13. Rory McIlroy's recent victory adds excitement to this tournament, which is part of the 'Back 9.' Additionally, DP World Tour members can participate in the PGA TOUR’s Corales Puntacana Championship in July.

The Genesis Scottish Open will take place at the Renaissance Club from July 9-12. It remains co-sanctioned with the PGA TOUR and is one of five Rolex Series events on the global schedule. Other Rolex Series events include the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and BMW PGA Championship.

Changes to membership structure have been announced for 2026. These adjustments aim to offer more balanced opportunities for players earning a DP World Tour card through various pathways. The cut-off for retaining a full card will be reduced from the top 110 to top 100 on the Race to Dubai Rankings.

Players ranked between positions 101–110 will receive a conditional card (Category 18) initially ranked below Qualifying School graduates. The number of cards available through HotelPlanner Tour will decrease from 20 to 15. Leading players from six international tours remain eligible for Category 17.

Global Talent and Partnerships

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of DP World Tour, stated: "Our thanks go to our partners, broadcasters, promoters, federations and partner Tours for their support and commitment to the DP World Tour." He highlighted how these partnerships help showcase international talent on golf’s global stage.

Kinnings also emphasised that "The five Global Swings, the Back 9 and the DP World Tour Play-Offs provide a compelling season-long narrative on the Race to Dubai." These events celebrate diverse courses and cultures while maintaining appeal among members and fans alike.

The DP World Tour will visit Dubai three times in 2026. The Dubai Invitational returns from January 15-18 after alternating with Team Cup during this year's season. The Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship are scheduled for November as part of Play-Off events.

This comprehensive schedule reflects both tradition and innovation within professional golf. It offers players numerous opportunities across varied locations while ensuring competitive balance through updated membership criteria.

With inputs from WAM