With the FedEx Cup Rankings concluding last week, focus shifts to the DP World Tour, especially the 2025 Race to Dubai and Ryder Cup events. The PGA Tour is on a brief hiatus until the FedEx Cup Fall Series kicks off in a few weeks.
This week, the DP World Tour visits Switzerland for the Omega European Masters, established in 1923 and hosted at its current location since 1939. The tournament features a strong lineup, including 2017 champion Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG), last week’s Betfred British Masters winner Alex Noren (SWE), and Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN). It represents a final opportunity for players to catch Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald’s eye, though he may have already chosen his six picks.
As the DP World Tour progresses into the Back 9 Series, its second event out of nine, an additional $200,000 is at stake for the series winner. Congratulations to Englishman Marco Penge for leading the recent Closing Swing.
At just 27, Penge is a rising star, known for driving the 10th hole at The Belfry’s Brabazon Course with an iron. Currently second in the Race to Dubai, trailing Rory McIlroy, he secured his DP World Tour card by topping the 2023 Road to Mallorca on the HotelPlanner Tour. Khaleej Times Golf predicts a bright future for him, possibly as a Ryder Cup contender.
Top players without PGA Tour cards have a life-changing chance by finishing in the Race to Dubai’s top 10 at season’s end, earning dual PGA Tour and DP World Tour cards for 2026. Currently, those spots are held by: Marco Penge (ENG), Kristoffer Reitan (NOR), Haotong Li (CHN), John Parry (ENG), Laurie Canter (ENG), Martin Couvra (FRA), Jordan Smith (ENG), Adrien Saddier (FRA), Keita Nakajima (JPN), and Daniel Hillier (NZ).
Dubai-based players Richard Mansell (ENG), Adrian Otaegui (UAE), and Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL), alongside friend Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), are also participating this week.
The HotelPlanner Tour is nearing its final stretch, with the top 20 players receiving their 2026 DP World Tour cards. Current Road to Mallorca leaders include David Law (SCO), Oihan Guillamoundeguy (FRA), and Filippo Celli (ITA), with two-time UAE champion Renato Paratore (ITA) in sixth. Only six events remain before the Rolex Grand Final, supported by The R&A, in Mallorca, Spain, in late October.
Meanwhile, the Asian Tour returns to Indonesia, with Scott Vincent (ZIM) leading the standings after the latest qualifying event at The Open at Royal Portrush.
The upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal for global golf across all levels, potentially defining careers and transforming lives. Khaleej Times Golf will continue delivering the latest updates, emphasizing UAE and regional players.
This Week’s Main Events:
DP World Tour
Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August, 2025
Omega European Masters
Venue: Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland
Purse: $3.25 million
Asian Tour
Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August, 2025
Mandiri Indonesia Open
Venue: Pondok Indah Golf Course, Indonesia
Purse: $500,000
HotelPlanner Tour
Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August, 2025
Dormy Open
Venue: Upsala Golf Club, Sweden
Purse: €300,000
LPGA
Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st August, 2025
FM Championship
Venue: TPC Boston, Norton, MA, US
Purse: $4.1 million
