Two-time major champion Jon Rahm is set to make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, scheduled to take place at Yas Links from November 5-8. This tournament serves as the prestigious opening leg of the DP World Tour Play-Offs. The competition will feature the leading 70 available players on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World, with the top 50 finishers earning a spot in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai the following week.
A Strong Record in the UAE
The Spaniard arrives in the UAE capital aiming to build on a formidable Rolex Series record. Rahm is a ten-time DP World Tour winner, currently tied with Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton for five victories in the series. The UAE has been a central location for his success, with three of those victories secured at the DP World Tour Championship in 2017, 2019, and 2022, in addition to two Irish Open wins in 2017 and 2019. His second win at Jumeirah Golf Estates established him as the first Spaniard since Seve Ballesteros to top the Race to Dubai Rankings.
Star-Studded Field and Player Reaction
- Jon Rahm joins a competitive field that includes defending champion and US PGA Champion Aaron Rai.
- Six-time major champion Rory McIlroy is also in the lineup, as he chases a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
- Staged by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, the event attracts the highest-ranked talent on the circuit.
Reflecting on his return to the region, Rahm shared his enthusiasm: “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.” Rahm, who has secured 10.5 points for Europe across the last four Ryder Cup editions, added: “I’ve heard great things about Yas Links, and I’m looking forward to playing there. It’ll be great to get started in Abu Dhabi before heading to Dubai the following week.”
