DP World Tour: Veer Ahlawat Aims Big at Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025

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Veer Ahlawat, who gained recognition with a runner-up finish at the Hero Indian Open last year, is now gearing up for the prestigious US$ 8 million Hero Dubai Desert Classic. At 28 years old, Ahlawat's performance in 2023 brought him acclaim.

It also secured him the Indian Order of Merit title, earning him a coveted DP World Tour card. This week, Ahlawat will be one of two Indian golfers competing at the Emirates Golf Club, alongside Shubhankar Sharma. Sharma is a seasoned participant in this event.

He will be making his eighth appearance at the tournament this time around. He is often referred to as the "Major of the Middle East." Reflecting on his journey, Ahlawat credited his success in India for paving the way to Dubai.

"My second-place finish at the Hero Indian Open played a key role in winning the Order of Merit. Thanks to the sponsors, I now have the chance to compete in an event featuring some of the biggest names in golf, including Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. It's a tremendous boost for me," Ahlawat shared.

He also expressed excitement about playing in the UAE for the first time. "The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been iconic. Many Indian golfers I admire have participated here, and it has been a dream of mine to play in this event. The environment feels familiar, and I've already met people who are well-acquainted with Indian golf," said Ahlawat, who stands at an imposing six feet.

Ahlawat is the latest beneficiary of the partnership between the Indian PGTI Tour and the DP World Tour, which grants a DP World Tour card to the Order of Merit winner. His predecessors, Manu Gandas (2023) and Om Prakash Chouhan (2024), have also progressed through this pathway.

Ahlawat's remarkable 2023 season featured two tournament victories and seven top-10 finishes. His standout performance at the US$ 2.25 million Hero Indian Open, the most prestigious DP World Tour event in India, further cemented his position as a rising star in Indian golf. Meanwhile, Shubhankar Sharma will aim to build on his previous success at the Dubai Desert Classic.

There he achieved his best finish - a tie for 16th place - last year. Sharma's steady performance included rounds of 72-71-70-70, totaling 5-under par. The spotlight will also be on Rory McIlroy, who won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in 2023 and 2024. McIlroy is now chasing an extraordinary third consecutive victory at this celebrated event.