The DP World Tour begins this week with the first Rolex Series event. Our golf expert has taken a close look at the betting market and recommends the best bet for the tournament. Read on for our expert preview and to find the best tips and analysis.
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Golf betting tips: Dubai Desert Classic
Who Will Rise to the Challenge at the Dubai Desert Classic?
- The Majlis course’s front nine played tougher last year, averaging 35.81 strokes compared to 36.44 on the back nine.
- Viktor Hovland ranked 6th in putting average last season, a vital strength on the newly renovated and fast greens of the Majlis course.
- Hovland’s greens-in-regulation percentage of 77.78% (44th overall) highlights his ability to consistently set up birdie opportunities, a critical asset on this layout.
Our Tips
Best Bet: Viktor Hovland to Win | |
14/1 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning Viktor Hovland, with strong driving accuracy, greens-in-regulation (77.78%), and putting (6th), is well-suited for the Majlis course, making him a serious contender for the Dubai Desert Classic title. |
The Dubai Desert Classic, an event rich in history and prestige, has grown into a cornerstone of professional golf since its inception in 1989. Held at the stunning Emirates Golf Club, it not only marks the first of five Rolex Series events in 2025 but also draws a world-class field to compete under the glimmering skyline of Dubai. This year’s edition promises to deliver another unforgettable spectacle, showcasing a mixture of Ryder Cup stars, LIV golfers, and elite players from the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
The tournament unfolds on the Majlis course, a challenging par 72 layout stretching over 7,428 yards. Widely regarded as one of the jewels of Middle Eastern golf, the course combines wide fairways and expansive greens with strategically placed water hazards and bunkers. Its exposed desert design often makes wind a decisive factor, dramatically influencing scoring outcomes. For example, scores have varied from a record-breaking -24 to a demanding -9, depending on conditions. Recent renovations to the Bermuda TifEagle greens have further enhanced the course’s reputation, providing smoother and faster putting surfaces with more diverse pin placements.
Players will face a notably difficult front nine, with three of last year’s six toughest holes located here—the sixth, eighth, and ninth. The back nine, in contrast, offers opportunities to score with its three par fives, though precision and strategy remain paramount. As competitors gear up for this pivotal event, the stage is set for a fascinating contest.
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Best Bet: Viktor Hovland to Win
One of the standout players entering this year’s Dubai Desert Classic is Viktor Hovland. The Norwegian has proven himself capable of excelling in elite company, and his strengths align well with the challenges presented by the Majlis course. With a solid all-around game, Hovland’s recent form and statistical consistency make him a prime candidate to lift the trophy.
Hovland’s driving accuracy and ability to hit greens in regulation will be crucial. On courses like the Majlis, where positioning off the tee often dictates success, Hovland’s 60th-place ranking in strokes gained off the tee from last season underscores his proficiency. Furthermore, his greens-in-regulation percentage of 77.78% (44th overall) highlights his strength in setting up birdie opportunities. While his sand save percentage and scrambling statistics are less impressive, his ability to recover on the greens compensates for these minor shortcomings. Ranked 6th in putting average last season, he has repeatedly demonstrated his composure under pressure, a trait essential for handling the Majlis’ demanding pin positions.
Another reason Hovland is an excellent pick lies in his history of performing well on tough courses. The Majlis, with its exposed nature and frequent windy conditions, rewards players who can stay consistent when scoring becomes challenging. Hovland’s capability to adapt to such environments, coupled with his remarkable birdie average (4.28 per round, 18th overall), positions him as a serious contender to thrive in Dubai’s ever-changing desert conditions.
While the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are likely to dominate the headlines, Hovland presents both excellent form and a strong statistical foundation that make him a compelling choice. His ability to balance steady ball striking with sharp putting should allow him to contend deep into the weekend and, potentially, claim victory.
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