DP World Tour 2026: All the facts about the calendar - Rolex Series, Swings and Majors

The golf world is hardly going into rest mode: just eleven days after the end of the last season, the DP World Tour is set to begin its 2026 season, with the BMW Australian PGA Championship kicking off a 13-month global golf odyssey Down Under that will span at least 42 tournaments in 25 countries.

The 2026 season, traditionally known as the 'Race to Dubai', builds on the proven global model. The structure remains divided into three main phases: First up are the five 'Global Swings', followed by the intense 'Back 9' and culminating in the 'DP World Tour Play-Offs', culminating in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November 2026.

DP World Tour 2026 season - 42 tournaments, 25 countries

The five Rolex Series events serve as the financial and sporting pillars of the Tour. They form the premium category of the Tour and are endowed with at least nine million dollars - a significant increase compared to the regular tournaments. But there are also exciting new features beyond the top events: The Tour welcomes the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship in Spain as the new opener of the European Swing and is delighted to announce the return of the Dubai Invitational.

A key element is the expanded access to the PGA Tour: Tour members will have the opportunity to compete in the ISCO Championship and the Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic, which is part of the Race to Dubai for the first time. In the spotlight is Matt Fitzpatrick, who is looking to defend his crown as champion of the DP World Tour Championship. But all eyes will also be on Rory McIlroy as the reigning Race to Dubai champion travels to Australia for the opening swing to continue his record chase for his eighth title of the season, which would see him draw level with legend Colin Montgomerie.

Find out how the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai works here.

Phase One: The Opening Swing of the DP World Tour

The starting shot is traditionally fired in the early winter months in Europe. The Opening Swing comprises the first five events of the season, spanning Australia, South Africa and Mauritius, and already sets the course for important events.

High stakes: Majors and bonuses

The incentive is high: the player who collects the most points in the Opening Swing will be crowned Opening Swing Champion. The title comes with a 200,000 dollar bonus and the coveted right to enter all Phase Two events (the 'Back 9'). In addition, the top-ranked player who has not yet qualified will receive an invitation to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first Rolex Series event.

Most importantly, the winner of the Crown Australian Open will earn a spot in the prestigious Masters Tournament, and the top three non-qualifiers will secure tickets to the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Kick-off in Brisbane: BMW Australian PGA Championship

The season officially kicks off on November 27 at the Royal Queensland Golf Club - a classic 72-hole counting playoff held in co-sanction with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

The focus is immediately on the defending champion: Australian Elvis Smylie celebrated his emotional wire-to-wire victory and his first DP World Tour title here a year ago. He will be up against a host of local celebrities, including major champions Adam Scott and Cam Smith, as well as the currently up-and-coming Min Woo Lee. Friday will be a deeply moving moment: "Yellow Day" honors the late Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle, with the golf community making a strong statement for leukemia charity by wearing yellow.

After the Opening Swing, the calendar takes a short three-week break before picking up again with the International Swing and the Dubai Invitational. The stage is set - the global game can begin.