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The Journal · Abu Dhabi

Yas Island Golf: Jon Rahm Wins the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship on Debut

On his first visit to the tournament, Jon Rahm won the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links on Yas Island, finishing 23 under par and two shots clear of Tyrrell Hatton. Next week the season's finale moves to Dubai, where the Race to Dubai will be decided.

At a glance

Jon Rahm Wins on Yas Island at a glance

Winner
Jon Rahm of Spain, on his tournament debut
Score
23 under par (265), two shots ahead of Tyrrell Hatton
Prize
$1.53 million from a $9 million purse
Course
Yas Links, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Next
DP World Tour Championship, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, November 12 to 15

Debut victory on Yas Island

A debut victory on Yas Island

Jon Rahm came to Yas Island for the first time this week and left with the trophy. The Spaniard won the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links on Sunday, November 8, 2026, closing with a 5-under-par 67 that included six birdies to finish on 23 under par, a total of 265. Tyrrell Hatton of England was second on 21 under, and Rory McIlroy third on 19 under.

The win was worth $1.53 million from a purse of $9 million, according to the final results. Sky Sports reports that it was Rahm's sixth Rolex Series title, a record on the DP World Tour, and The National notes that it was his first DP World Tour victory since the 2023 Masters. Francesco Laporta of Italy finished fourth on 17 under.

Why Yas Links suits

Why Yas Links suits the season's big stage

Yas Links, designed by Kyle Phillips, is a true links course at the water's edge of Yas Island, with views of the Gulf from nearly every hole. It is regularly ranked among the finest in the region and is one of the venues on our list of the best golf courses in the Middle East. The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship is the first of the season's two closing play-off events, which is why so many of the world's leading players were in the field.

Visitors can play the course outside tournament week, and a round fits easily into a stay on the island. Our guide to Yas Island hotels, theme parks and F1 covers where to stay, from W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island beside the marina to the quieter hotels near the links, and how the island's attractions are connected.

Race to Dubai comes

The Race to Dubai comes to its finale

The result sets up a lively final week. Sky Sports reports that McIlroy moved up to second place in the Race to Dubai, about 534 points behind the leader, Eugenio Chacarra of Spain, as he looks for a record-equalling eighth season title. Rahm's victory keeps him in contention too.

The DP World Tour Championship, open to the top 50 available players in the standings, will be played at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai from November 12 to 15, 2026. Gulf News reports that general admission on Thursday is free with registration, and that children aged 17 and under receive free tickets when they register. The tournament is played on the Earth Course, another course on our shortlist.

Planning a golf week in the UAE

November is one of the loveliest months for golf in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: the days are warm and dry, and the evenings are mild enough for long dinners outside. Our guide to luxury hotels and things to do in Abu Dhabi suggests how to pair a round at Yas Links with the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, and our guide to Dubai's finest hotels covers the city up the coast.

For more events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai through the winter, from Frieze Abu Dhabi to the boat shows, see our Middle East events calendar.

Questions readers ask

Who won the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship?

Jon Rahm of Spain, at 23 under par, two shots ahead of Tyrrell Hatton, on his first appearance in the event.

Where is Yas Links?

On Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, along the shoreline, close to the island's hotels, Yas Marina and its theme parks.

When is the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai?

From November 12 to 15, 2026, at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Thursday general admission is free with registration.

Sources

Checked on 11/08/2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.