The anticipation is building as the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship prepares to tee off at Yas Links from November 6 to 9, drawing a star-studded cast of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes and top contenders from the DP World Tour. This landmark 20th edition of the tournament marks the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, setting the stage for a thrilling climax to the season in the UAE’s golfing heartland.
Leading the charge is World No. 5 Tommy Fleetwood, who arrives in Abu Dhabi riding a wave of momentum after a career-defining season. Fleetwood, a two-time winner of this event (2017 and 2018), recently cemented his status as one of the world’s elite golfers by clinching victory at the DP World India Championship. His final round 65 at Delhi Golf Club secured a two-stroke triumph over Keita Nakajima, marking his eighth DP World Tour title. But that’s not all—Fleetwood also broke new ground on the PGA TOUR this year, capturing his maiden TOUR Championship victory in August and, in doing so, claiming the coveted FedExCup. He became only the second Englishman, after Justin Rose, to win the season-long trophy.
Reflecting on his return, Fleetwood shared, "It’s always special to play at home in the UAE, and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is a tournament I look forward to every year. Yas Links is a great golf course and the atmosphere is always incredible. I’ve had some great memories here over the years, and starting the DP World Tour Play-Offs in front of family and friends gives me that extra bit of motivation to finish the season on a high."
Fleetwood’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, capped by his standout performance at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. There, he emerged as Europe’s leading points scorer, winning four matches and suffering just a single defeat across five sessions. His heroics helped propel Europe to a historic 15-13 victory over the United States—the first time an away team has triumphed in the Ryder Cup since 2012. What a way to make history!
Joining Fleetwood in Abu Dhabi is fellow Ryder Cup star and Irishman Shane Lowry, who has his own special relationship with both the tournament and the UAE. Lowry’s clutch half-point in the tense Sunday singles at Bethpage Black was pivotal in retaining the Ryder Cup for Europe. The 38-year-old is no stranger to success at Yas Links, having lifted the Falcon Trophy in 2019—a victory that served as the springboard to his unforgettable Open Championship win at Royal Portrush later that year.
Despite currently sitting 107th in the Race to Dubai Rankings and outside the usual top 70 cut-off, Lowry is able to compete in Abu Dhabi thanks to a Ryder Cup exemption. This special provision allows all 2025 European Ryder Cup players to participate in the season-ending playoffs, regardless of their ranking. Lowry expressed his excitement ahead of the event, saying, "Abu Dhabi has always been a great place to play golf and I’m really looking forward to being back at Yas Links in a few weeks. The DP World Tour Play-Offs are always an exciting end to our season and it’s great to have the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the world. I’ll be giving it everything to finish the year on a high."
Lowry isn’t the only Ryder Cupper benefiting from this exemption. Ludvig Aberg, currently ranked 75th, is also set to tee it up at Yas Links, ensuring the field is packed with Ryder Cup pedigree. The likes of reigning Masters champion and career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Hojgaard, Robert MacIntyre, and vice captain Alex Noren round out an impressive European contingent, all aiming to make their mark as the DP World Tour Play-Offs get underway.
The event, staged by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, serves as the gateway to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, where the Race to Dubai champion will be crowned. Only the top 70 available players on the Race to Dubai qualify for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, but Ryder Cup players like Lowry and Aberg are granted entry in addition to the regular qualifiers. The top 50 will then progress to the DP World Tour Championship the following week, with Ryder Cup exemptions again in effect.
Beyond the star power on the course, fans are in for a treat with a host of spectator options and experiences. General admission is free for the first two days of the event, making the opening rounds accessible to all. For the final two days, tickets start at just AED 100, offering affordable access to world-class golf. Those seeking an elevated experience can opt for the Bar on Nine Ticket+ package, which was a hit in 2024, starting at AED 230 and including a food and drink voucher. For the ultimate in luxury, the Championship Chalet on the 18th green offers five-star hospitality, an air-conditioned chalet, and a shaded balcony with panoramic views—tickets start at AED 1680.
Tommy Fleetwood’s remarkable run this season has been a story of resilience, consistency, and seizing the moment. Not only did he secure his place in Abu Dhabi with his most recent win, but he’s also become a symbol of English golfing excellence, following in the footsteps of Justin Rose. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry’s journey from 2019 Abu Dhabi champion to Ryder Cup hero and Open champion highlights the transformative power of this tournament and its role in shaping the careers of Europe’s finest.
With a field boasting Ryder Cup champions, major winners, and the best of the DP World Tour, the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship promises drama, excitement, and the kind of high-stakes golf that fans crave. Will Fleetwood ride his hot streak to a third title? Can Lowry recapture the form that made him a champion in Abu Dhabi and at Royal Portrush? Or will another Ryder Cup star steal the spotlight as the season’s playoff drama unfolds?
As the Yas Links fairways await, one thing’s for sure—the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs is set to deliver unforgettable moments and perhaps launch the next chapter in golfing history. The action gets underway soon, and with so much on the line, the eyes of the golf world will be firmly fixed on Abu Dhabi.