DP World Tour 2026 Schedule Announced With New Tournaments

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The DP World Tour has announced its global schedule for 2026. The new schedule features exciting tournaments, new venues, and a record prize fund for players. In total, there will be at least 42 tournaments held in 25 countries around the world. The season will be divided into three main parts: the five “Global Swings,” the “Back 9,” and the “DP World Tour Play-Offs” in November 2026.

Record Prize Fund For Players

Next season, DP World Tour members will compete for a total prize fund of $157.5 million, excluding the Major Championships. This is the highest total prize money offered outside the major tournaments. This reward shows the Tour’s commitment to attracting top talent and giving players great earning opportunities around the world.

Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship Starts European Swing

The 2026 season will start with the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship. This tournament will take place from May 7 to May 10 at the Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona, Spain. This is a new tournament on the schedule, linked to the news that the 2031 Ryder Cup will also be held in Catalunya. Spain will become the first country in continental Europe to host the Ryder Cup twice. El Prat last hosted a DP World Tour event in 2015 during the Open de España.

New Venues And Tournament Access

DP World Tour players will also compete in other exciting tournaments next season. These include the ISCO Championship from July 9 to 12 and the PGA TOUR’s Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic from July 16 to 19. For the first time, this Dominican Republic tournament will count towards the Race to Dubai points.

Rolex Series Events Continue

The Rolex Series events remain a highlight of the 2026 schedule. These include the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club (July 9–12), Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 22–25), BMW PGA Championship (September 17–20), and the two Play-Off events in Abu Dhabi (November 5–8) and the DP World Tour Championship (November 12–15). These events are important as the winner of the 2026 Race to Dubai will be decided at the DP World Tour Championship.

Multiple Tournaments In Dubai

Dubai will host three DP World Tour tournaments in 2026. The Dubai Invitational will return from January 15 to 18 after alternating with the Team Cup in 2025. This shows the city’s strong connection with global golf and its importance in the Tour calendar.

New Venue For Amgen Irish Open

The Amgen Irish Open will be held at a new venue, Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Doonbeg, from September 10 to 13. This tournament is part of the “Back 9” phase of the season. The 2025 edition of the Irish Open was won by Rory McIlroy in a spectacular performance, adding excitement for the next year’s event.

DP World Tour CEO Comments

Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, said the 2026 schedule highlights international talent and global destinations. He added that the Tour celebrates diversity by visiting different courses and countries. The Global Swings, Back 9, and Play-Offs create a clear season-long story for players and fans, combining historic national Opens with international events that are widely popular.

Thanks To Partners And Supporters

Kinnings also thanked the Tour’s partners, broadcasters, promoters, federations, and partner Tours. Their support helps showcase international golf talent on a global stage. He emphasized the Tour’s focus on quality tournaments and the experience it offers to fans and players alike.

Changes To Membership Structure

Along with the 2026 schedule, the DP World Tour announced changes to its membership system to make playing opportunities fairer and more predictable. These changes will take effect at the start of the 2026 season and were approved by the Tournament Committee.

Full Card Eligibility Adjustments

The cut-off for retaining a full DP World Tour card through the 2026 Race to Dubai rankings (for the 2027 season) will be reduced from the top 110 players to the top 100. Players finishing 101–110 will now get a conditional card in Category 18, ranked below Qualifying School graduates. These players will be re-ranked during the season alongside the graduates.

Adjustments To HotelPlanner Tour And Qualifying School

The number of cards available to top finishers on the HotelPlanner Tour will decrease from 20 to 15. Players finishing 16–20 on the 2026 Road to Mallorca Rankings will receive Category 19 cards, placed below players finishing 111–125 in the Race to Dubai rankings. Qualifying School will also reduce cards available from the top 20 and ties to the top 15 and ties.

International Tours Continue To Play Role

Leading players from six international tours will still be eligible for Category 17. Additionally, the top two players from each of the PGA Tour of Australasia, Sunshine Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and Korean Golf Tour will qualify for a full HotelPlanner Tour card. These rules ensure international players continue to have opportunities to compete on the DP World Tour.

Balanced Opportunities For Players

These membership changes aim to provide schedule certainty and more balanced playing chances. All players earning a DP World Tour card through any existing pathway will benefit from clear rules. This will allow them to plan their season better and compete fairly on a global platform.

2026 Season Outlook

The 2026 DP World Tour promises an exciting season for players and fans. With new venues, high prize money, and global tournaments, the season combines tradition and innovation. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to world-class talent competing across five continents in a compelling Race to Dubai narrative.

The DP World Tour’s 2026 schedule is designed to highlight global talent, increase fair competition, and engage fans worldwide. With strong support from partners and new membership rules, the Tour will deliver an exciting, well-organized, and diverse golf season. Fans can expect thrilling performances in historic tournaments and new venues, making 2026 a remarkable year for golf.

DP World Tour, Global Golf Tournaments, Race to Dubai, Golf Prize Money