2nd edition of DP World Tour Play-Offs launched

With less than a month to go until the DP World Tour Play-Offs return to the UAE for their second edition, reigning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Paul Waring was among those in attendance to mark the countdown at the official launch event at the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Following a hugely successful inaugural Play-Offs last year - comprising the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship - which saw course records broken at Yas Links and record crowds at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the eyes of the golfing world will once again turn to the UAE next month.

The action begins with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, celebrating its 20th edition from Nov.6-9, where the leading 70 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings will battle it out for the prestigious Falcon Trophy.

The field will then be cut to the top 50 leading players the following week at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship (Nov. 13-16), where the DP World Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai champion will be crowned.

Reigining Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy secured a Dubai double last season, winning the DP World Tour Championship for a record-equalling third time and claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for a sixth time, matching the late, great Seve Ballesteros’ tally.

At Yas Links, it was today’s special guest, Paul Waring, who stole the spotlight, holding off a stellar field, including McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton, to claim his first Rolex Series title and the biggest win of his career.

“Winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last season was one of the most memorable moments of my golf career,” said Waring.

“Having two back-to-back Rolex Series events to close out the season in the UAE was incredibly exciting, especially now that I’m based here.

“Although I won’t be competing this year due to injury, I’m really looking forward to watching the action unfold at both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship.”

The launch was also attended by Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, General Abdullah Alhashmi, President, Emirates Golf Federation (EGF),

Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer, DP World and Richard Bunn, Chief Revenue and Content Officer, DP World Tour.

Race to Dubai leader McIlroy has already confirmed his attendance at both events as he aims to move a step closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight season-long titles. It was also announced today that 2025 European Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Aberg and Rasmus Hojgaard, Vice Captain Alex Noren and Nicolai Hojgaard will join McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Hatton, and Robert MacIntyre at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Noren, Hatton, Fitzpatrick, Ramus Hojgaard, MacIntyre and Justin Rose - all part of Europe’s triumphant 2025 Ryder Cup team that claimed a first away victory since 2012 - have also been confirmed for the DP World Tour Championship, along with 2023 champion Nicolai Højgaard.