Jon Rahm wins Abu Dhabi Championship, marking first DP World Tour victory in four years

Jon Rahm captured the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, posting a final‑round 67 to finish two strokes ahead of England’s Tyrrell Hatton and four ahead of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. The victory, achieved at Yas Links in the United Arab Emirates, represents Rahm’s first DP World Tour triumph since his departure from the now‑defunct LIV Golf league and his first European tour title in four years.

Rahm began the day one shot clear of Hatton and Italian Francesco Laporta, with McIlroy a further shot behind. After an early bogey on the third hole, Rahm steadied his play with three birdies on the front nine and three more on the back, avoiding any further drops. He concluded the tournament at 23‑under par, a total of 265, while Hatton recorded a 68 and McIlroy posted a 69.

Background

The Abu Dhabi Championship is part of the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series, attracting many of the world’s leading golfers. Rahm, a two‑time major champion, had previously finished at the bottom of the leaderboard at the BMW PGA Championship before his move to LIV Golf. Following LIV’s bankruptcy and the league’s shutdown in October, Rahm returned to the DP World Tour for the Abu Dhabi event, his first appearance since the birth of his fourth child earlier in the month. His win ends a four‑year drought on the European circuit and follows a period of limited competitive success after his LIV tenure.

McIlroy, who received a two‑shot penalty in the first round, used his third‑place finish to climb to second place in the Race to Dubai standings, trailing only Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, who sits in the lead. Hatton’s runner‑up position also secured his qualification for next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Why it matters

Rahm’s victory signals a successful restart to his career on the traditional tour, reinforcing his status among the elite after the LIV collapse. The win also provides a morale boost ahead of the season‑finale in Dubai, where Rahm remains in contention for the Race to Dubai title. For McIlroy, the result strengthens his bid for a record‑equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy, awarded to the top player on the European tour. Hatton’s performance ensures his place in the upcoming championship, maintaining his position among the tour’s leading competitors.

The tournament’s outcome highlights the shifting dynamics of professional golf following LIV Golf’s dissolution, with several high‑profile players, including Rahm, re‑establishing themselves on the DP World Tour.

What happens next

The DP World Tour Championship will take place in Dubai the following week, featuring the top‑ranked players from the Race to Dubai, including Rahm, McIlroy and Hatton. The event will determine the season‑ending rankings and award the Harry Vardon Trophy. Rahm’s continued participation will depend on his ability to maintain form and secure further high finishes in the remaining tour events.