Lindell returns from the Christmas break full of energy for the top competition
Oliver Lindell has been recharging his batteries at home in Finland for just under three weeks. However, after a long wait, the first tournament of 2026 will finally begin this week, as the Finnish player was the last to qualify for the Dubai Invitational, which starts on Thursday. Two consecutive tournaments will be played in Dubai, which is a great start to the new year.
The Christmas break was spent in a relaxed atmosphere, largely focused on matters important to him that were unrelated to golf. The Porvoo native is now full of energy and ready to start a slightly more relaxed competition than usual on Thursday in the first group.
“We played a few races on the simulator. In practice, however, the holiday was just a chance to recharge my batteries for the coming year. Here in Dubai, we have been preparing for this race on the grass for a week. It was great to get into the first race, even though I had to wait a long time to find out,” says Lindell.
The list of participants for the first competition in Dubai is impressive. The 60-player field includes winners from the last two years, as well as some of the world’s top golfers, led by Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. The competition serves as a dress rehearsal for next week’s Rolex Series event, but its appeal is also explained by the small number of participants and the fact that there is no cut in the competition. All 60 players are guaranteed to play a full four rounds.
“A good general and easy start to the year, as there is no cut in the competition. The course is also good and impressive. A really fair course, where a good shot will get you to birdie positions. There are a few tighter fairways, but there will be no free birdies this week.”
Lindell will start the race directly from the breakfast table in the first group on Thursday. He will tee off at Dubai Creek Resort at 6:30 a.m. Finnish time, together with Marcus Armitage from England. The first group of the day is a good starting point, even though the two-tee start will naturally slow down the back nine.
Lindell started his season last year in Africa, although the Dubai tournament is his first start this year. The opening tournaments of the season did not produce the desired results, but he still has strong faith in his game. The return of his trusted caddie Emil Markus to the bag strap also brings confidence to his game.
“The start of the season was a bit slow, but I still managed to earn some ranking points. Now I have four races ahead of me, after which we will consider whether I need to go back to Africa. My game feels good, and we’re looking forward to competing – it will be nice to see what happens. Apparently, someone will be joining me on the first tee in the morning.”
The Dubai Invitational also includes a pairs competition during the first three days. Sixty tour players are joined by sixty amateurs. This means that each player will also participate in a pairs competition with an amateur. Lindell is not worrying about the pairs competition, but will wait until Thursday to see who he will be paired with.