Starting off the 2025 schedule, the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event is all set, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Apart from featuring the best names of the sport, the great purse addition for the event also makes it one of the biggest events to not miss. The tournament since its beginning in 1989 has generated top winners, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Seve Ballesteros.

The Dubai Desert Classic has had a great history of 36 years and is the second-largest prize fund event of the year. After the DP World Tour Championship which will tee off in November, three events including the Genesis Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and Abu Dhabi Championship along with the Dubai Desert Classic are tied at offering the second-largest prize.

The event in the first edition offered a prize purse of $450,000 with the winner’s share of $75,000. However, now after 36 years, the event’s purse has increased to $9 million, with the winner taking home a little over $1.5 million, as per Golfmonthly. Along with the purse increase, 8,000 Race To Dubai points and 2,000 Ryder Cup points are also at stake.

Additionally, the Dubai Desert Classic also marks a rare occasion offering a larger prize purse than the PGA Tour. This week’s American Express event in California offers $8.5 million, while the Rolex series first offers 50 grand more. While the event offers a great opportunity for top and lower-ranked players, it seems the 2025 edition has an interesting feat to offer over the weekend.

Dubai Desert Classic’s shocking feat after two rounds

The history of winners has showcased top names since its inception. However, 2025 has something different to offer. Rory McIlroy has won the event consecutively for the last two years. However, unlike the last two editions, this year he was seen struggling as he was placed at 32nd position after two rounds. Not only this,  Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland have missed the cut for the weekend rounds.

Surprisingly, Ewen Ferguson, who is currently ranked at 141 position, is leading the table with 12- under par. On the final hole of the second round, he was one stroke behind, but the par 5 hole recorded an eagle putt from him. Thanks to the advertising board. On the second last shot of the day for Ferguson, the ball hit the advertising board and came back to the green just 5 feet away from the hole.

He took the lead, with the world no. 223, David Hillier, currently following in the second position. In the third position comes a familiar name for the fans, i.e., Tyrrell Hatton. However, looking at the exceptional performance of the course, this year might offer a new face to the golf world as the champion. What are your thoughts on the current leaderboard standing? Share with us in the comments section below.