Tommy Fleetwood is once again eyeing the title and stirring up the field at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship. The news that the two-time champion will be teeing off on Yas Links from November 5th to 8th, 2026, is generating considerable excitement, as this event is not just about a victory, but also marks the start of the intense DP World Tour Playoffs.
Having lost to Aaron Rai in last year's playoff, Fleetwood is determined to claim his third triumph in Abu Dhabi, where he previously stood victorious in 2017 and 2018. He brings not only class but also a great deal of drama and history to the course. The field is already incredibly strong: alongside defending champion Rai, former champion Tyrrell Hatton and 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott will also be teeing off.
Who Else Is Contending for the Title?
The list of top contenders is long: Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra, Rory McIlroy, Patrick Reed, and Jon Rahm, who is making his debut at Yas Links, are also among the participants. It's a true showcase of top golfers, even if some prominent names like Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick are absent this year. Nevertheless: The top 5 in the Race to Dubai standings are all competing, which further emphasizes the importance of this event.
Playoffs in Sight
For the elite players, everything is on the line, as only the top 50 players after Abu Dhabi will qualify for the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, which takes place from November 12th to 15th. The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship is therefore not just a tournament, but a tough selection process that sets the stage for the grand finale. This is where it will become clear who has nerves of steel and who truly wants to claim victory in Dubai.
