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Rolex Series golf is back, as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic follows a dramatic start to the International Swing on the DP World Tour.

Rory McIlroy had the inaugural Dubai Invitational all but won last Sunday before tommy Fleetwood capitalised on the Northern Irishman’s mistakes.

And the Ryder Cup teammates will headline a star-studded field at Emirates Golf Club, with Tyrrell Hatton and Nicolai Hojgaard also in the mix.

American representation in the lucrative event comes in the form of Brian Harman and Cameron Young, who qualified from finishing in the top 70 of last season’s FedEx Cup.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann will make another DP World Tour start.

McIlroy lifted the title for a third time last year amid ‘teegate’, as Patrick Reed got embroiled in a comical moment on the range.

He was snubbed by the former world No. 1 and responded by flicking a tee in McIlroy’s direction. So, it’s sure to be another highly entertaining week and here are all the details…

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Hero Dubai Desert Classic details

Course: Emirates Golf Club

Course Stats: Par 72, Yards 7,428

Defending Champion: Rory McIlroy

Purse: $9,000,000

Winner’s Share: $1,530,000

Hero Dubai Desert Classic betting tips

Here’s how the bookies rank the field…

Rory McIlroy 7/2

Tyrrell Hatton 10/1

Tommy Fleetwood 11/1

Brian Harman 16/1

Joaquin Niemann 18/1

Nicolai Hojgaard 20/1

Cameron Young 20/1

Adam Scott 22/1

Adrian Meronk 25/1

The bunkered Bet

Nicolai Hojgaard 20/1

The 23-year-old looks good value, considering a few of the players near the top of the market have travelled in from the States. Hojgaard arrives at Emirates fresh after a solid T25 effort in the Dubai Invitational. Meanwhile, the Dane has some excellent form in Dubai over the last few seasons including two wins, and his length off the tee will be a reliable asset this week.

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