DP World Tour 2026: New Events, Venues & Record Prize Fund

The DP World Tour has officially announced its global schedule for the 2026 season, and it is bigger and more exciting than ever before. With tournaments spread across 25 different countries, new venues added to the calendar, and a record prize fund of $157.5 million, fans of golf can look forward to a thrilling year filled with action, history, and new opportunities for players.

This article will take you through all the important details of the schedule, the new tournaments, changes in venues, and even adjustments made to the membership structure of the Tour. Let’s dive into the highlights.

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A Truly Global Tour

The DP World Tour in 2026 will feature 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in 25 countries, proving once again that golf is truly a global sport. The season is divided into three main phases:

1. Global Swings – The early part of the year where players compete around the world in different regions.

2. The Back 9 – The middle and later part of the season, including many traditional and historic events.

3. The DP World Tour Play-Offs – The grand finale of the season in November, where the best players compete to become the Race to Dubai Champion.

This format allows fans to follow a clear story throughout the year, watching how players climb the rankings and fight for glory.

Record-Breaking Prize Fund

One of the most exciting announcements is the record total prize fund of $157.5 million (outside the Major Championships). This huge amount makes the 2026 season one of the most rewarding in the history of the Tour.

It also shows how much the DP World Tour has grown, attracting the world’s best golfers and giving them more opportunities to compete for life-changing prizes.

Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship Returns

A brand-new event has been added to the schedule: the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship. This tournament will be the first event of the European Swing and will take place from May 7–10, 2026, at the Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona, Spain.

This is very special because:

• It is the first time since 2015 that El Prat will host a DP World Tour event.

• It comes after the exciting news that the 2031 Ryder Cup will be played at Camiral in Catalunya.

• Spain will become the first continental European country to host the Ryder Cup twice.

This new tournament not only adds variety to the Tour but also connects with the upcoming Ryder Cup history.

New Venue for the Amgen Irish Open

Another major highlight of the 2026 schedule is the Amgen Irish Open, which will move to a new venue. For the first time, the tournament will be played at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg from September 10–13, 2026.

This is a huge change for one of Europe’s most popular golf events. The Irish Open is part of the “Back 9” phase of the season and was recently won in dramatic fashion by Rory McIlroy in 2025. Fans will be eager to see if he can defend his title at this new and challenging course.

The Rolex Series Events

The Rolex Series represents the most prestigious tournaments on the DP World Tour. In 2026, there will be five Rolex Series events:

1. Hero Dubai Desert Classic – January 22–25

2. Genesis Scottish Open – July 9–12 (co-sanctioned with the PGA TOUR)

3. BMW PGA Championship – September 17–20

4. Abu Dhabi Championship – November 5–8 (Play-Off event)

5. DP World Tour Championship – November 12–15 (season finale where the Race to Dubai Champion is crowned)

These tournaments offer the biggest prize money and attract the world’s top players, making them the “must-watch” events of the season.

More Access to PGA TOUR Events

In addition to traditional DP World Tour tournaments, members will also have access to certain PGA TOUR events. For example:

• The Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic (July 16–19) will, for the first time, be part of the Race to Dubai.

• This gives players more chances to compete internationally and grow their careers.

Three Tournaments in Dubai

Dubai continues to play an important role in the Tour. In 2026, there will be three tournaments in Dubai:

• Dubai Invitational (January 15–18)

• Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 22–25)

• DP World Tour Championship (November 12–15, the season finale)

Dubai has become the heart of modern golf, and these events highlight the city’s importance in the global golf scene.

Words from the DP World Tour Chief Executive

Guy Kinnings, the Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, expressed his excitement about the new schedule. He said that the Tour continues to celebrate the diversity of courses and cultures across the world. The new structure with Global Swings, Back 9, and Play-Offs creates a season-long story that fans and players can follow.

He also thanked partners, broadcasters, and federations for supporting the growth of the Tour and for helping to showcase the incredible depth of international golfing talent.

Membership Structure Changes

Along with the new schedule, the DP World Tour also announced important changes to its membership rules starting in 2026. These changes are designed to give players more balance and certainty in planning their seasons. Here are the key updates:

• Race to Dubai card cut-off lowered: To keep a full card for the next season, players now need to finish in the top 100 (instead of top 110).

• Category 18 for positions 101–110: Players in these positions will get conditional cards and will be ranked below Qualifying School graduates.

• HotelPlanner Tour cards reduced: Only 15 cards (down from 20) will be available for top finishers.

• Road to Mallorca rankings: Players finishing 16–20 will now get Category 19.

• Qualifying School cards reduced: Only the top 15 and ties (instead of 20 and ties) will get Tour cards.

• International tours pathway remains: Leading players from six international tours will still be eligible for Category 17.

These adjustments make the Tour more competitive and ensure that only the best-performing players keep their cards.

A Season to Look Forward To

The 2026 DP World Tour season promises to be one of the most exciting years in golf history. With new venues like Catalunya and Doonbeg, a record prize fund, closer ties with the PGA TOUR, and a stronger membership system, it sets the stage for unforgettable moments on and off the course.

Fans around the world can look forward to thrilling matches, new champions, and a celebration of golf across continents.