The DP World Tour returns to the Emirates GC for the Dubai Desert Classic. Hat-trick chasing Rory McIlroy heads the betting, but our focus is on three other selections, with the Betfair Sportsbook paying seven places.
Last Week’s Preview Success
- Matt Cooper started 2025 with a winner.
- 2023 tournament runner-up Patrick Reed can go one better this year.
- Japan’s Keita Nakajima can shine against a strong field.
- Aussie David Micheluzzi presents a tempting price.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Record
- Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, a UAE resident, plays іn this week’s Dubai Desert Classic but has a mixed record at the Majlis Course at Emirates GC.
- He’s played the tournament 13 times and finished іn the top 20 seven times, including іn six оf the last seven editions. However, only one оf those top 20s was іn the top 10, which was іn 2018 when he finished sixth.
- Fleetwood hasn’t broken 72 оn Sundays since 2019.
- While he’s a high-class player, he’s not expected tо contend for the win this week, sо we’ll look elsewhere at better prices.
Rory McIlroy’s Challenge
- Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, enters the tournament with a big year ahead, including potential victories in the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.
- A fifth win here would be a fantastic achievement, but his odds are too short for this preview.
Other Contenders
- Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Viktor Hovland all have solid hopes, with strong chances of success this week.
Main Bet: Patrick Reed 35/1
- Patrick Reed’s victory іn the Hong Kong Open ended a near four-year winless streak, which could lead tо a great 2025.
- Reed was the runner-up іn 2023 at this event and has expressed his desire tо win here.
- He’s a good January golfer, with past victories іn the Humana Challenge, the Tournament оf Champions, and the Farmers Insurance Open.
- Reed has also been second and third at Jumeirah, sо he’s capable оf getting into the mix again this week.
Next Best Bet: Keita Nakajima 66/1
- Keita Nakajima, the young Japanese star, has had an impressive 2023 with three wins in Japan and a strong start to his rookie year.
- He finished fourth at Al Hamra in the UAE last February and had a great performance in the DP World Tour Championship.
- Nakajima could be in for a big year and is worth backing this week.
Final Bet: David Micheluzzi 225/1
- Australian rookie David Micheluzzi had an excellent first season on the DP World Tour, and he’s confident ahead of his second year.
- Micheluzzi finished second at Emirates last year, and he’s a great putter who enjoys Bermuda greens.
- He’s familiar with the course now, and his strong finish last year could give him the edge at a big price.