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The Northern Irishman is chasing a record fifth Dallah Trophy in 2026, marking 20 years since his debut here as an amateur. However, with a packed field including defending champion Tyrrell Hatton and an in-form Tommy Fleetwood, the value lies in a rising star who is statistically tearing up the tour this season.
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Schaper is in elite form for 2026, ranking 2nd in Putts Per GIR and 5th in Stroke Average (67.93). With a 71.85% GIR rate and recent strong performances, his ball-striking and putting combination suits the Emirates Golf Club perfectly against the big names.
Why Jayden Schaper is the Smart Play
While the headlines naturally focus on the heavyweights like McIlroy and Hatton, the statistics for the 2026 season highlight South African talent Jayden Schaper as the player offering immense value at 18/1. His performance metrics this season are nothing short of elite, and they point to a player ready to secure a breakthrough victory.
Elite Ball Striking Meets Hot Putting
Success at the Emirates Golf Club requires a blend of precision into the greens and a cold-blooded putter. Schaper is currently ranking 24th in Greens in Regulation (71.85%), which is a significant improvement on previous years. However, it is what he does once he finds the dancefloor that separates him from the pack.
He is currently ranked 2nd on the Tour for Putts per GIR (1.64). This lethal combination of hitting greens and converting opportunities has driven his Stroke Average down to 67.93, ranking him 5th on the entire tour for scoring this season.
Schaper’s 2026 Season Rankings
Furthermore, his accuracy off the tee has improved to 65.85% (38th), up from 58.68% just two years ago. This control is vital for navigating the doglegs of the Majlis Course.
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The Course: Emirates Golf Club
The Majlis Course is a classic desert test. It features generous fairways but punishes errant drives with desert scrub and water hazards. The greens are firm and fast, usually demanding a high ball flight and a deft touch.
History shows that course form matters here. Rory McIlroy averages 68.50 over his last 16 rounds, while Tyrrell Hatton averages 70.15. To beat these specialists, you need to be scoring low consistently. Schaper’s current stroke average of 67.93 places him ahead of the field average and right in the mix for the Dallah Trophy.
The Main Contenders
Rory McIlroy (4/1)
The clear favorite and four-time winner. He finished tied-third last week at the Dubai Invitational despite testing new irons. His history here includes wins in 2009, 2015, 2023, and 2024.
Tyrrell Hatton (10/1): The defending champion returns after a stellar 2025 where he helped Europe win the Ryder Cup. He shot four under-par rounds to win here last year and loves this layout.
Tommy Fleetwood: Fresh from winning the FedExCup, Fleetwood is playing the best golf of his life. He is a resident of Dubai and knows every blade of grass on this course.
Final Verdict
While the top of the market is crowded with Ryder Cup stars, Jayden Schaper represents the form player who has elevated every part of his game in 2026. His putting stats are currently world-class, and combined with reliable ball-striking, he is the value selection to outscore the heavy favorites.
Questions & Answers
Where can I watch the Dubai Desert Classic in the UK?
The tournament is live on Sky Sports Golf starting from 7.30am on Thursday, January 22nd.
Who is the defending champion?
Tyrrell Hatton is the defending champion, having won the title in 2025 by one stroke.
What is Rory McIlroy’s record at this event?
McIlroy has won the Dubai Desert Classic four times (2009, 2015, 2023, 2024) and holds the lowest scoring average of 68.50 over recent years.
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