Two-time major champion Jon Rahm is set to make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, held at Yas Links from November 5-8. As the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, the tournament will feature the top 70 available players from the Race to Dubai Rankings. Following this competition, the top 50 participants will move on to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Rahm enters the competition with a strong history in the UAE, where he has secured five of his ten career DP World Tour titles—a record shared with Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton. His past successes in the region include victories at the DP World Tour Championship in 2017, 2019, and 2022, as well as two Irish Open wins in 2017 and 2019. Reflecting on his second triumph at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the former World Number One became the first Spaniard since Seve Ballesteros to lead the Race to Dubai rankings. With three of those victories coming at the DP World Tour Championship in 2017, 2019 and 2022, alongside two Irish Open triumphs in 2017 and 2019, the UAE has been the scene of the lion’s share of that success.
“I’ve had some of the best weeks of my career in the UAE, so I’m really looking forward to playing in Abu Dhabi for the first time,” said Rahm, who has contributed 10.5 points to the European team across four Ryder Cup appearances. He added that he has heard positive feedback regarding the Yas Links course and is eager to begin his campaign in the capital before traveling to Dubai the following week.
Staged by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, the event boasts a competitive field, including six-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who is currently vying for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title. Defending champion and US PGA Champion Aaron Rai is also confirmed to compete, adding further prestige to the tournament lineup.
