The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated return of the DP World Tour Play-Offs to the UAE, promising a thrilling double-header of world-class golf in the upcoming weeks.
After last year’s remarkable debut, featuring the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, fans witnessed record-breaking performances at Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates. This November, golf enthusiasts worldwide will once again focus on the UAE.
The excitement kicks off with the $8 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, marking its 20th edition from November 6–9. The top 70 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings will vie for the prestigious Falcon Trophy. The season concludes with the $10 million DP World Tour Championship from November 13–16, where only the top 50 will compete for the coveted Race to Dubai title.
Rory McIlroy, the reigning Race to Dubai champion, will lead the field. Last season, McIlroy achieved a Dubai double, winning the DP World Tour Championship for the third time and securing the Harry Vardon Trophy for the sixth time, tying with the legendary Seve Ballesteros. He aims to edge closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight titles and has confirmed participation in both UAE events.
Joining McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship are future European Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard, alongside Vice Captain Alex Noren, Nicolai Højgaard, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, and Robert MacIntyre.
The DP World Tour Championship will also feature Noren, Hatton, Fitzpatrick, Rasmus Højgaard, MacIntyre, and Justin Rose—all part of Europe’s historic Ryder Cup triumph in 2025, along with 2023 champion Nicolai Højgaard.
General Abdullah Alhashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation, commented: “Having collaborated with the DP World Tour for over 30 years, we are proud of the achievements.
The launch of the DP World Tour Play-Offs last season highlighted the trust the Tour places in the UAE. This year’s event promises two weeks of exceptional golf that will spotlight our nation on the global stage.”
Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East, DP World Tour, said: “Following last year’s successful debut of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, we are excited to return with two of the region’s top sporting events on back-to-back weekends.
This unique Play-Offs format offers a thrilling season finale, merging world-class golf with the UAE’s vibrant energy. From record-breaking feats to memorable moments on and off the course, last year set a high benchmark, and we anticipate the golfing world’s attention will once again be on Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
It is a fantastic showcase for the UAE as a global sports hub and an unmissable experience for fans both locally and internationally,” Phillips concluded.
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