Jon Rahm threatens to ruin Rory McIlroy's Race to Dubai party after Abu Dhabi win
The Spaniard claims his 11th DP World Tour title at Yas Links to move up to sixth in the standings, setting up a potential showdown with McIlroy at next week's season finale in Dubai.
Jon Rahm claimed his 11th DP World Tour title with a commanding victory at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, overcoming Tyrrell Hatton by two shots at Yas Links to reignite his Race to Dubai ambitions.
The 31-year-old Spaniard carded a composed final-round 67 to finish on 23-under-par, holding off his former LIV Golf teammate Hatton, who closed with a 68 to finish second on 21-under par.
The victory marked a record-breaking sixth Rolex Series title for Rahm, and his first DP World Tour triumph since he slipped on the famous Green Jacket at the 2023 Masters.
It also came during his first appearance on the DP World Tour since confirming his departure from LIV Golf last month.
Rory McIlroy finished in solo third on 19-under-par after a closing 69, four shots behind Rahm.
The win saw Rahm collect a huge first prize of €1,368,162.72.
"It means a lot. Still almost not letting myself believe it. It's been quite a while since I've played good in a DP World Tour event, and in my last showing, if you don't count the withdrawals, I think I finished last," said Rahm. "So, from last to first is a pretty good feeling."
He added: "After everything that's gone on and some poor play and some battles, mentally, with a lot of the noise, to come back out after a little bit of rest and having a new addition to the family, it's quite special. I only wish they were here to celebrate with me."
Rahm's triumph has dramatically reshaped the Race to Dubai standings ahead of next week's season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The two-time major champion pocketed 1,500 points to climb from 51st to sixth in the rankings, putting himself firmly in contention to claim his second Race to Dubai title, having previously won the season-long crown in 2019.
Rahm is also looking to win the DP World Tour Championship for a record fourth time.
McIlroy has also strengthened his position in the standings, moving from third to second as he continues his pursuit of an historic eighth Race to Dubai title. Only Colin Montgomerie has previously secured eight European Tour Order of Merit crowns.
Eugenio Chacarra remains at the top of the standings, holding a lead of more than 500 points over McIlroy. However, with substantial points available in Dubai, the final rankings remain far from settled.
During his post-round interview with Sky Sports Golf's Tim Barter, Rahm was informed that he could win the Race to Dubai next week if he claims victory at the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy finishes outside the top two and Chacarra finishes eighth or worse.
Rahm was visibly surprised by the possibility of another season-long title.
"I didn't even think I'd have a chance to win it," Rahm laughed.
"Yeah, I am very excited. It gives me a little extra incentive, I really didn't think I had a chance. I look forward to it."
The Spaniard's return to the DP World Tour comes amid significant uncertainty surrounding the future of LIV Golf.
Rahm confirmed his exit last month, while LIV Golf subsequently announced plans to wind down its operation this week following difficulties attracting sufficient high-profile players.
The former World No.1 is expected to return to a full DP World Tour schedule in 2027, although his PGA Tour future remains uncertain.
Players who competed on LIV Golf remain suspended from the PGA Tour until the end of August 2027, unless circumstances change.
Rahm has guaranteed himself a finish inside the top 10 of the DP World Tour Rankings, securing a PGA Tour card for the 2027 season in the process. However, the Spaniard is currently ineligible to take up that opportunity while he remains suspended by the PGA Tour, with his ban extending until the end of August 2027.
For now, Rahm's attention will turn to Dubai, where he has the opportunity to cap his season with another major achievement.
His victory at Yas Links has not only delivered another prestigious DP World Tour title but also set up a compelling Race to Dubai finale.
Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship Final Leaderboard
Pos | Player | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jon Rahm (ESP) | 65 | 67 | 66 | 67 | -23 |
2 | Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) | 67 | 65 | 67 | 68 | -21 |
3 | Rory McIlroy (NIR) | 70 | 63 | 67 | 69 | -19 |
4 | Francesco Laporta (ITA) | 62 | 70 | 67 | 72 | -17 |
T5 | Angel Ayora (ESP) | 70 | 70 | 65 | 67 | -16 |
T5 | Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) | 65 | 69 | 70 | 68 | -16 |
T5 | David Puig (ESP) | 70 | 64 | 68 | 70 | -16 |
8 | Jayden Schaper (RSA) | 68 | 70 | 66 | 69 | -15 |
T9 | Freddy Schott (GER) | 69 | 70 | 68 | 67 | -14 |
T9 | Frederic Lacroix (FRA) | 69 | 70 | 67 | 68 | -14 |
T9 | Nathan Kimsey (ENG) | 71 | 66 | 67 | 70 | -14 |
T9 | Matthew Jordan (ENG) | 66 | 67 | 69 | 72 | -14 |
T9 | Adam Scott (AUS) | 68 | 67 | 66 | 73 | -14 |
Race to Dubai rankings ahead of the DP World Tour Championship
Pos | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
1 | Eugenio Chacarra | 4,243.79 |
2 | Rory McIlroy | 3,709.86 |
3 | Patrick Reed | 3,528.62 |
4 | Casey Jarvis | 2,892.98 |
5 | Aaron Rai | 2,560.15 |
6 | Jon Rahm | 2,525.45 |
7 | Jayden Schaper | 2,445.79 |
8 | Ryan Fox | 2,427.52 |
9 | Daniel Hillier | 2,351.25 |
10 | Jacob Skov Olesen | 2,111.49 |
Note: Race to Dubai positions and points reflect the supplied rankings following the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship. The final standings will be decided at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
