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Showdown in the desert: six things to watch at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship

Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm the favourites as Aaron Rai returns to defend his title at 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 7:58 AM
Showdown in the desert: six things to watch at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship
Key Things to Know
  • Rory McIlroy has opened as the 11/2 betting favorite to win the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.
  • The 70-player event at Yas Links features a $9 million purse and 9,000 Race to Dubai points.
  • Only the top 50 players in the season standings will advance to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Rory McIlroy enters the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship as the bookmakers' favorite at 11/2 as the DP World Tour Play-offs begin. The rebranded tournament features a 70-player field competing at Yas Links for a $9 million purse and 9,000 Race to Dubai points, with only the top 50 players securing spots in the season finale.

The tournament features top contenders including Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, and defending champion Aaron Rai, while Eugenio Chacarra enters leading the season standings. Several notable golfers have withdrawn due to regional geopolitical tensions, including Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre, Justin Rose, and Ludvig Aberg.

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