The Creators Dubai Desert Classic (CDDC) returns for its second edition on January 17-18, showcasing a modern approach to how golf is experienced and shared globally. This unique event promises to connect sport and lifestyle through the lens of social media, appealing to a younger audience.
Held alongside the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the CDDC gathers 16 top sports and lifestyle content creators who will compete in a distinctive tournament format. This initiative allows fans to gain behind-the-scenes access to premiere golf events, thereby enriching their experience of the sport.
Importantly, the CDDC isn’t intended to overshadow elite golf competition; rather, it aims to narrate golfing stories in a novel way. By empowering creators to film and share genuine moments during a prestigious tournament, the event bridges the gap between golf and a digitally-inclined audience.
Expanding from a one-day spectacle to a two-day format, the 2026 version is set to elevate storytelling through its emphasis on quality and depth. Participants will engage in a two-round stroke-play competition at the Emirates Golf Club, kicking off with an evening round under floodlights on January 17, followed by the concluding round on January 18 at the renowned Majlis Course, soon to host the world’s elite players.
The event’s inaugural edition proved successful, amassing 13.3 million views from a single video and contributing to an estimated 192 million impressions through the Hero Dubai Desert Classic influencer program. The CDDC is now recognized as the premier creator-led golf event in the Middle East, creating a rich blend of sport, culture, and lifestyle content that resonates beyond traditional golf demographics.
The lineup for the 2026 event will feature creators from North America, Europe, and Australia, including well-known influencers such as Mac Boucher and Georgia Ball. Boucher expressed enthusiasm about returning, stating that participating in the inaugural event was a significant experience and recognized Dubai’s role in evolving how golf engages with younger audiences.
Georgia Ball also highlighted the value of the CDDC in fostering authentic moments and storytelling. She noted that an extended event format allows creators to fully exploit the experience, showcasing both the beauty of golf and the allure of Dubai as a prime destination.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, emphasized that the CDDC aligns with a global trend in how golf is consumed. He remarked on the importance of digital storytellers for expanding golf’s audience, recognizing that meaningful interactions can attract a younger, more diverse fan base.
The 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic will follow closely, scheduled for January 22-25, 2026, at Emirates Golf Club. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will headline a field that includes notable golfers like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. Fans attending the tournament can look forward to additional attractions, including Tournament Town, which will feature live music, entertainment, and a food village to enhance the overall experience.
A highlight video from the Creators Dubai Desert Classic is set to premiere on January 20 across the official social channels of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, promising to deliver compelling insights into the event and its contributors.