English golfer David Horsey embraces Dubai life while chasing a return to his best form

English golfer David Horsey is settling into life in Dubai, balancing family, career, and a new chapter in his professional journey.

A four-time DP World Tour winner, Horsey remains focused on his game as he competes on both the Challenge and Asian Tours. A key decision about his next steps looms in August.

Horsey’s ties to Dubai stretch back 15 years, but it’s only recently that he made the move permanent. Now a resident, he joins a growing community of professional golfers based in the city, including Anirban Lahirin Lahiri, Shiv Kapur, Jeev Milkha Singh, and Gaganjeet Bhullar.

“I’ve always enjoyed spending time in Dubai, and it’s been a great place to settle,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of friends and family here, and with my wife and two kids – soon to be three – it’s a fantastic setup for us.”

A regular at The Els Club, managed by Troon Golf, Horsey sees it as a vital training ground.

“There’s a great group of guys here, and Khaled (Samawi), who runs it, does a fantastic job,” he says. “The course is in top condition, and with players like Adrian Meronk and Thomas Detry around, the competition helps me gauge where my game is.”

After battling injuries in recent years, Horsey is focused on staying sharp. “The last couple of years have been tough, but I’m now playing on the Challenge Tour and have status on the Asian Tour as well,” he says.

Staying Competitive

A six-time tournament winner – four times on the DP World Tour and twice on the Challenge Tour – Horsey has continued to find ways to compete despite setbacks. His recent top-10 finish at LIV Golf Riyadh was a confidence boost.

“LIV Golf Riyadh was a different format – knockout on the first day, then 36 holes – but I managed to finish seventh,” he says. “I have full status on the Challenge Tour, and the International Series on the Asian Tour gets busy later in the year. Hopefully, I can balance both and, by August, decide where my focus should be.”

Adjusting to Dubai Life

Coming from Wilmslow, Cheshire, Horsey acknowledges that Dubai has been an adjustment, but one he’s embracing.

“There’s a lot to learn, but I’m really enjoying it,” he says. “Having a strong support system here makes all the difference.”

One key supporter has been Khalifa Al Masood and his family. “They’ve looked after me really well,” Horsey shares. “I spent six months in Abu Dhabi sorting out my visa, and Khalifa has been a great supporter. I can’t thank him enough.”

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Now, with Dubai as his base, Horsey is working to ensure more success lies ahead. Whether he prioritizes the Challenge Tour or the Asian Tour later this year, one thing is certain – he is determined to keep competing at the highest level

Horsey’s four European Tour wins remain highlights of his career:

• BMW International Open (2010) – Edged Ross Fisher by a stroke.
• Trophée Hassan II (2011) – Won in a playoff against Rhys Davies and Jaco van Zyl.
• M2M Russian Open (2014) – Defeated Damien McGrane in a playoff.
• Made in Denmark (2015) – Secured a two-stroke win over Kristoffer Broberg, Daniel Gaunt, Søren Kjeldsen, and Terry Pilkadaris.