The DP World Tour is heating up as the top 70 available players on the rankings head to the United Arab Emirates for the final two events of the season – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship. This week marks the beginning of phase three of the season, with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship kicking off the DP World Tour Play-Offs. Traditionally held in January, the tournament has now been moved to a new slot in the schedule as part of a new initiative on the Race to Dubai.
Rory McIlroy is a top contender, arriving in the Middle East on track to equal Seve Ballesteros’ record of six Harry Vardon trophies. With strong performances throughout the season, including a runner-up finish at the US Open and back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship, McIlroy sits atop the season-long standings. However, he faces stiff competition from South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, who is looking to mount a title challenge, and Rasmus Højgaard, who is just under 2,000 points behind McIlroy in third place.
A stellar line-up of talent has assembled in Abu Dhabi, with nine of the top ten and 18 of the top 20 on the Race to Dubai making the trip for the start of the DP World Tour Play-Offs. Alongside McIlroy, other headline names include Major champions Adam Scott, Shane Lowry, and Justin Rose, as well as Olympic Silver Medallist Tommy Fleetwood. The field also includes other DP World Tour stars like Min Woo Lee, Bob MacIntyre, and the Højgaard twins, with 28 of the 39 players who have won a title on the 2024 Race to Dubai teeing it up this week.
Yas Links in Abu Dhabi is the host venue for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, known for its challenging layout designed by Kyle Phillips. The par 72 course measures 7,425 yards and features holes running along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. While the course is generous off the tee, Tournament Director Miguel Vidaor warns that players will have to navigate punishing rough, presenting a tough test for the competitors.
The action kicks off on Thursday at 4am UK time, with McIlroy teeing off alongside title rivals Thriston Lawrence and Rasmus Højgaard. Viewers can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Golf, with a highlights package available in the evening. Additionally, the DP World Tour is offering a free live stream for all four rounds on its My Tour section. With a competitive field and challenging course, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship promises to be an exciting start to the DP World Tour Play-Offs.
