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Jon Rahm secured his first meaningful victory since his 2023 Masters triumph by winning the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links GC. Playing in his debut start at the tournament, the Spanish golfer finished at 23 under par to claim a two-stroke victory over his former LIV Golf colleague, Tyrrell Hatton.
Milestone Victory and Historic Stats
The triumph marks Rahm’s 11th DP World Tour title achieved in only 92 starts, positioning him as the third fastest player to reach this milestone behind Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros. Additionally, he secured his sixth Rolex Series victory, surpassing Hatton for the most wins in that category. The win carries extra significance heading into the upcoming DP World Tour Championship.
Reflecting on his performance, Rahm told CBS Sports Headlines that the victory means a great deal after a challenging period. “It means a lot,” Rahm said. “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. So, from last to first is a pretty good feeling.”
Rahm added that his back nine was largely flawless, highlighting a standout 6-iron approach shot on the 15th hole that landed two feet from the pin. “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 told CBS Sports Headlines.
Championship Battle and Race to Dubai Implications
Rahm entered the back nine tied for the lead alongside three other players, with Hatton and Francesco LaPorta applying pressure while Rory McIlroy surged ahead in the group in front. McIlroy eventually dropped out of contention following a bogey on the 15th hole, while LaPorta struggled on holes 12 and 13. This left Rahm and Hatton to compete down the stretch, with Rahm sealing his advantage through his precise approach on the 15th hole.
Despite playing on the LIV Golf circuit in 2026, Rahm remains mathematically eligible to claim the Race to Dubai title on the DP World Tour. According to the DP World Tour broadcast, if Rahm wins the DP World Tour Championship next week, he would require McIlroy to finish worse than second place and current leader Eugenio Chacarra to place outside the top eight. Rahm has previously won the DP World Tour Championship three times and captured the Race to Dubai in 2019.
“I didn’t think I would ever have a chance to win it,” Rahm told CBS Sports Headlines. “Very excited. Actually gives me a little extra incentive next week. I really didn’t think I was going to have a chance. Those are better odds than I expected, so [I’m] looking forward to it, and hopefully I can get my fourth one.”
McIlroy Positioned for Season Finale
McIlroy finished the tournament in third place at 19 under par, cutting his deficit to Chacarra and moving past Patrick Reed to secure the second spot in the season-long standings with four rounds remaining. Reed holds third place in the Race to Dubai after leading for much of the season, with Casey Jarvis and Aaron Rai rounding out the top five. Rahm jumped significantly in the rankings from No. 51 to No. 6 following his victory.
“It’s a pretty familiar spot for me going into the DP World Tour Championship, and I’m excited for it,” McIlroy told CBS Sports Headlines. “That was the goal coming into these two weeks to try to catch Eugenio and Patrick and try to win The Race to Dubai again. Yeah, it would have been great to win this week and give myself not as much of a deficit or even a lead but still feel like I’m right in there with a great chance.”
Attention now shifts to Dubai for the upcoming DP World Tour Championship, where the season-long Race to Dubai title will be decided.
