Picture this: the scorching deserts of Abu Dhabi become the ultimate battleground for golf's elite, where every swing could mean the difference between eternal glory and bitter disappointment. As the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship kicks off, it's not just a tournament—it's the gateway to legend. But here's where it gets controversial: with Rory McIlroy dominating the scene, is the tour becoming a one-man show, or will underdogs rise to challenge the status quo? Stick around to discover the drama that's unfolding on Yas Links.
By William Imbo
04 November 2025 15:00 GMT+0
5 min read
The sun-drenched fairways of Yas Links Abu Dhabi are all set for the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, scheduled from November 6th to 9th. This prestigious event marks the official start of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, giving the top-ranked players in the Race to Dubai—a season-long points competition that determines the year's champions—one last shot to punch their ticket to the grand finale in Dubai. After traversing 40 tournaments across five continents, the cream of men's professional golf (often spotlighted in global events like the Olympics at olympics.com/en/sports/golf/) gathers in the UAE to wrap up an exhilarating year. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the prizes; it's a high-stakes showdown that could redefine careers.
Intrigued? Let's dive deeper into the event details, including its complete timetable, star players, and ways to catch every thrilling moment live.
- Related: DP World India Championship 2025 saw Tommy Fleetwood claim victory, with local hero Shiv Kapur shining bright for the home team (olympics.com/en/news/india-championship-2025-european-tour-golf-report)
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at a glance
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Dates: November 6–9, 2025.
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Venue: Yas Links Golf Club in Abu Dhabi (a par-72 layout stretching 7,425 yards, perfect for testing precision).
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Format: A full 72-hole stroke play competition with no cut-offs—this Rolex Series gem means every player competes all four rounds.
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Race to Dubai points: The champion here earns 9,000 points, while the upcoming Dubai event doles out 12,000—think of these as the currency of golf's season-long leaderboard, where accumulating them can lead to coveted titles and bonuses.
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Field: Limited to the top 70 golfers currently positioned in the Race to Dubai rankings.
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Season impact: The top 50 after this event earn a spot in the DP World Tour Championship (November 13–16 at Jumeirah Golf Estates' Earth Course), the season's climactic finale.
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Purse: A whopping $9,000,000 up for grabs, with the winner taking home $1.53 million—illustrating how lucrative the sport can be for its stars.
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Defending champion: Paul Waring, who triumphed at Yas Links back in 2024.
Golfers to watch
Leading the charge as the DP World Tour Play-Offs ignite is Rory McIlroy (check out his profile at olympics.com/en/athletes/rory-mcilroy), the Northern Irish sensation. His 2025 season has been a masterclass in dominance, with wins at The Masters, The Players Championship, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Irish Open propelling him tantalizingly close to a record-breaking seventh Race to Dubai crown—surpassing Colin Montgomerie's mark. Plus, his heroic contributions to Europe's Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black have solidified him as golf's preeminent force. With his pinpoint accuracy from the tee and a track record of success at Yas Links, McIlroy is the clear frontrunner that others are chasing. But is this level of dominance healthy for the sport, or does it stifle excitement for new talents?
Hot on his heels is Tommy Fleetwood (athlete details at olympics.com/en/athletes/tommy-fleetwood), who's buzzing with momentum after clinching the FedEx Cup in a nail-biting finish at East Lake. Toss in his recent triumph at the India Championship and standout Ryder Cup efforts, and the English pro is firing on all cylinders. A two-time Abu Dhabi winner who flourishes in arid environments, Fleetwood's regained groove could see him secure a third trophy on Yas Island—imagine the celebration!
Tyrrell Hatton returns to familiar territory, having claimed the Abu Dhabi title in 2021 and snagged second place last year. His standout 2025 performances, including a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and a top-five finish at the U.S. Open, have him perched third in the Race to Dubai standings. When his putting game is hot, Hatton possesses the explosive potential to surpass his previous results this time around.
Robert MacIntyre is in the midst of his career's peak. The Scottish golfer's impressive run includes a runner-up spot at the U.S. Open, a win at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and strong showings at the BMW Championship. His bold, innovative approach to shots makes Yas Links an ideal fit for his fearless style.
Lastly, don't overlook Marco Penge, the English breakout star of 2025. He nabbed wins at the Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship, and Open de España, showcasing an aggressive mindset and unwavering confidence that have won over fans. A victory here would cap off an incredible resurgence—for someone who was once scrambling to maintain his tour card (the full playing privileges needed for DP World Tour events), this could be one of golf's greatest comeback tales.
2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship full schedule: Dates, start times, and tee times
Warm-up practice sessions at Yas Links Abu Dhabi kicked off on Monday, November 3rd, and will run through Wednesday, November 5th, setting the stage before the official play begins on Thursday.
All times are in local Gulf Standard Time (UTC +4):
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Thursday, November 6 – Round 1: Tee-offs start at 07:15 and go until 12:30
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Friday, November 7 – Round 2: Tee-offs from 07:15 to 12:30
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Saturday, November 8 – Round 3: Tee-offs begin at 08:00 and end at 12:00
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Sunday, November 9 – Final Round: Tee-offs from 08:00 to 12:00
Keep in mind that the exact pairings and tee times will be confirmed by the DP World Tour the evening prior to each round, adding to the suspense.
2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: How to watch live
Golf enthusiasts worldwide can tune into the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship through the DP World Tour's trusted broadcasting partners, ensuring no moment is missed.
United Kingdom:
Broadcasts hit the airwaves on Sky Sports Golf starting at 03:15 GMT for Thursday and Friday, and 04:00 GMT for the weekend. Plus, stream every hole live via NOW and Sky Go.
United States and Canada:
Catch it on Golf Channel, with on-demand options through Peacock for flexible viewing.
Middle East and North Africa:
Tune in on OSN Sports Golf, or check out highlights and special features on the DP World Tour's official YouTube and digital channels.
Worldwide:
The action reaches over 200 countries via more than 30 global networks, such as SuperSport in South Africa, Fox Sports in Australia, and Eurosport Asia—making it accessible no matter where you are.
As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship unfolds, it's a reminder of how golf blends tradition with high-stakes drama. Do you believe Rory McIlroy's streak will continue, or is there a sleeper like Marco Penge poised for a shock upset? And what about the bigger question: does having such dominant figures like McIlroy enhance the sport, or should we root for more parity to keep things exciting? Weigh in with your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
