Global Golf Scene Heats Up: McIlroy Takes Charge in Dubai as Zurich Prepares for Major Travel Showcase

The 2026 golf season has officially swung into high gear, delivering a mix of elite competition in the Middle East and ramping up excitement for travel enthusiasts in Europe. While the professional tour has descended on the United Arab Emirates for the latest leg of the Race to Dubai, the industry’s focus is simultaneously shifting toward Switzerland, where the country’s largest holiday and golf exhibition is just weeks away from opening its doors.

McIlroy Sets the Pace at Dubai Invitational

The International Swing series on the DP World Tour kicked off with immediate intensity at the Dubai Invitational. Rory McIlroy, showcasing the form that keeps him at the pinnacle of the world rankings, wasted no time asserting his dominance at the Dubai Creek Resort. Starting his round on the back nine, McIlroy found his rhythm early. Despite a missed short putt on the 12th, he didn’t let the error derail his momentum, responding immediately with a string of birdies.

His performance on the first half of the course was particularly sharp, allowing him to separate himself from the pack. Although his scoring pace cooled slightly on the closing holes, a card featuring seven birdies against just two bogeys secured him a 66. At five under par, he holds the solo lead. It was a round defined less by flashy shots and more by clinical control—a dangerous signal to the rest of the field.

Chasing Pack and German Struggles

The leaderboard remains tight behind the Northern Irishman. Scotland’s Connor Syme and Spain’s David Puig are breathing down the leader’s neck, sitting just one shot back after posting matching 67s. Both players kept their scorecards clean, positioning themselves well for the weekend. Matt Wallace also briefly threatened the top of the leaderboard but couldn’t maintain the pace; a volatile round mixing an eagle and birdies with bogeys and a double bogey left him at three under.

For the German contingent, the opening day proved difficult. Marcel Siem, known for his grit, couldn’t find the spark needed to go low. He signed for a one-over-par 72, leaving him in the middle of the pack but still within striking distance if he can turn things around on Friday. Nicolai von Dellingshausen had a tougher outing, struggling with accuracy off the tee which repeatedly blocked his access to the greens. His four-over-par 75 means he faces an uphill battle to make the cut.

Tragedy Casts a Shadow

While the competition was fierce, the day was marked by a profound sense of loss. At 1:30 p.m. local time, play paused for a minute of silence to honor the victims of the devastating fire in Crans-Montana. The tragedy claimed 40 lives, including Emanuele Galeppini, a rising Italian talent who was slated to begin a role as Junior Captain at the very resort hosting this week’s tournament. Players, caddies, and officials donned black ribbons, casting a somber mood over an otherwise sunny start to the event.

Zurich Gears Up for FESPO & Golfmesse

As the pros navigate the fairways in Dubai, preparations are entering the final stages in Zurich for the FESPO & Golfmesse. Scheduled from January 29 to February 1, 2026, the event promises to live up to its reputation as Switzerland’s most diverse holiday fair. Spanning four days and five halls, the expo will host over 500 exhibitors and offer roughly 600 lectures, serving as a massive hub of inspiration for travelers and golfers alike.

The layout is designed for easy navigation. Hall 1 is dedicated to the Americas, while Hall 3 covers destinations across Southern and Northern Europe. Visitors looking for regional options will find Austria, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland showcased in Hall 4. Hall 6 offers a global mix, featuring exhibitors from Africa, Australia, and Asia, alongside a massive diving container.

The Hub for Swiss Golfers

For the golf community, Hall 5 is the undisputed main attraction. The Golfmesse serves as the central meeting point for the Swiss golf scene, offering a comprehensive look at the season ahead. The forum will feature expert presentations focused on game improvement, alongside booths displaying the latest equipment and apparel.

The trend toward golf tourism is evident, with hotels and specialized travel agencies presenting new destinations for the 2026 season. The team from Golf.ch will be right in the thick of it, engaging with visitors about current trends and exclusive travel offers. They are also hosting a putting challenge with high-value prizes and offering drinks at the Golf Bar to keep the conversation flowing.

Newcomers and Returning Favorites

This year’s expo sees the return of a major player: Costa Rica. Back for the first time in six years, the country is promoting its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, highlighting its rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches. The fair also welcomes several first-time exhibitors, including Aldi Suisse Tours, Railtour Suisse, Eurobus, and Moldova. The organizers are emphasizing authentic, lasting experiences this year, noting that travel has been viewed as a “school of life” for decades. Lucky visitors even have a shot at winning a pioneering travel package worth 36,000 francs.

Adventure seekers have plenty to look forward to as well. The “Funny Diving” container returns for its second consecutive year in Hall 6. Filled with 30 cubic meters of water and staffed by professionals, it offers a safe environment for both complete beginners and experienced divers to take the plunge. Whether on the greens of Dubai or in the exhibition halls of Zurich, the message is clear: the 2026 season is open for business.