Rory McIlroy targets historic fourth victory at 2024 Dubai Desert Classic

North Irishman defeated Patrick Reed by one shot to win this year's tournament at Emirates Golf Club

Rory McIlroy after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for the third time at Emirates Golf Club on January 30, 2023. Getty

Rory McIlroy celebrates after his dramatic victory. Getty

Rory McIlroy with the Dallah trophy after winning the Dubai Desert Classic, beating Patrick Reed by one shot thanks to a birdie on the final hole. Getty

Rory McIlroy celebrates victory on the 18th hole. Getty

Rory McIlroy alongside his Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, left, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Getty

Rory McIlroy celebrates victory with caddie Harry Diamond. Getty

Rory McIlroy tees off on the sixth hole. Getty

Patrick Reed tees-off on the 16th hole on his way to a final round 65 as the American finished one shot behind leader Rory McIlroy. Getty

Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the 16th hole on his way to a final round 68, finishing 19-under par. Getty

Patrick Reed lines-up a putt on the 14th green. Getty

Rory McIlro lines-up a putt on the ninth green. Getty

Patrick Reed tees-off on the first hole. AP

Rory McIlroy plays a shot from a greenside bunker on the 14th hole. Getty

Patrick Reed tees-off on the eighth hole. Getty

Lucas Herbert of Australia on his way to a final round 66 as he finished three shots off the lead. Getty

Julien Brun of France on his way to a final round 68 as he finished five shots behind winner Roy McIlroy.

Callum Shinkwin of England on his way to a final round 69 as he finished four shots behind winner Rory McIlroy. Getty

Thomas Pieters of Belgium on his way to a final round 69, six shots off the lead. Getty

Ian Poulter of England on his way to a final round 70, six shots off the lead. Getty

Rory McIlroy is returning to defend his Hero Dubai Desert Classic crown next year when he will target a historic fourth title.

Ryder Cup hero Mcllroy is set to headline a world-class field at the first Rolex Series event of the 2024 Race to Dubai at the Emirates Golf Club from January 18-24.

Dubai is a happy-hunting ground for the 34-year-old Northern Irishman, who earned his first European Tour title at the event in 2009, before claiming his second and third Desert Classic trophies 2015 and 2023 – matching the record of Ernie Els when he edged out American Patrick Reed on a dramatic final day over the Majlis Course in January.

The four-time major winner went on to add a second Rolex Series title at the Scottish Open in July, and once again leads the Race to Dubai as he aims to top the season-long rankings for a fifth time.

“It meant a lot to lift the Dallah Trophy for a third time,” said McIlroy. “I’ve enjoyed a lot of success at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic over the years, so adding another title was the perfect way to start the year.

“I love coming to Dubai and the support we get from fans is always special. I look forward to getting back to Emirates Golf Club in January, and hopefully creating a bit of history.”

McIlroy has just played a key role in Europe regaining the Ryder Cup from the United States when Luke Donald's team triumphed 16½-11½ at the Marco Simone Golf Club near Rome earlier this month.

The Northern Irishman delivered his best Ryder Cup return of four points, two years on from breaking down in tears when Europe were humbled 19-9 by the Americans at Whistling Straits.

Smon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “We are delighted to confirm Rory will return to defend his title and will be striving for a historic fourth win.

“Our Roll of Honour features an illustrious cast of golf’s most notable names, and I am sure we will have a worthy champion to join this star-studded list and lift the Dallah Trophy in January.”

Fans can register now to claim their free general admission tickets and limited special offer early bird hospitality tickets for the Dallah Lounge terraces, with more information available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.