The desert lights are about to blaze once again – and this time, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship marks the thrilling start of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, setting the stage for a fierce showdown where the world’s top 70 golfers chase glory, prestige, and a massive prize. But here’s where it gets even more intense — only 50 of them will survive the cut to advance to next week’s grand finale in Dubai. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this high-stakes battle in the sands of Yas Island.
A Championship with Global Eyes Watching
From 6–9 November 2025, Yas Links Abu Dhabi transforms into golf’s ultimate pressure cooker. This event not only kicks off the Play-Offs but also offers players one final chance to secure their spot in the DP World Tour Championship. After a grueling 40-event season that spanned five continents, the best of the best now converge on the United Arab Emirates — where the desert breeze meets pure golfing drama.
At a glance:
- Dates: 6–9 November 2025
- Venue: Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi – Par 72, stretching across 7,425 yards
- Format: 72-hole stroke play, no cut (Rolex Series event)
- Race to Dubai points: 9,000 for the winner; 12,000 at the finale in Dubai
- Field: Top 70 available players in the Race to Dubai standings
- Advancement: Top 50 move on to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship (13–16 November, Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course)
- Purse: $9 million (with $1.53 million to the champion)
- Defending Champion: Paul Waring (victorious at Yas Links in 2024)
The Players to Watch – and Why Everyone’s Talking About Them
Rory McIlroy remains the superstar headliner. His 2025 season has been a masterclass — wins at The Masters, The Players Championship, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and the Irish Open have him on the brink of a record-tying seventh Race to Dubai title. Fresh off leading Team Europe to Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black, McIlroy’s precision and poise make him the man to beat this week. Can anyone stop his march toward golf history?
Then there’s Tommy Fleetwood, whose season has been nothing short of electric. Fresh off a FedEx Cup victory at East Lake and a win at the India Championship, the Englishman looks rejuvenated. Twice a winner in Abu Dhabi, Fleetwood thrives in desert winds — could this be the year he completes a remarkable Yas Island hat-trick?
Tyrrell Hatton isn’t far behind either. After lifting the Abu Dhabi trophy in 2021 and finishing runner-up last year, he’s got unfinished business. Victories at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and a top-five at the U.S. Open have kept him in striking distance in the Race to Dubai. When his putter heats up, few can match his firepower.
Don’t overlook Robert MacIntyre, the fearless Scot having the best season of his career. Runner-up at the U.S. Open, winner at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and a contender at the BMW Championship — his creativity and confidence fit Yas Links like a glove.
And then there’s the fairytale story: Marco Penge. Once struggling just to keep his tour card, he’s exploded onto the scene with wins at the Hainan Classic, Danish Golf Championship, and Open de España. His fearless attacking style has made him a crowd favorite, and another victory here could seal one of the most remarkable comeback stories in recent golf memory.
Full Schedule – 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Official practice rounds run 3–5 November, leading up to tournament play from Thursday to Sunday. (All times local – Gulf Standard Time, UTC +4.)
- Thursday, 6 Nov: Round 1 (Tee times: 07:15 – 12:30)
- Friday, 7 Nov: Round 2 (Tee times: 07:15 – 12:30)
- Saturday, 8 Nov: Round 3 (Tee times: 08:00 – 12:00)
- Sunday, 9 Nov: Final Round (Tee times: 08:00 – 12:00)
The DP World Tour will release final pairings and tee times the night before each round, so keep your eyes peeled — surprise matchups and late charges often change everything.
How to Watch – Wherever You Are in the World
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Golf will air live coverage from 03:15 GMT (Thu–Fri) and 04:00 GMT (Sat–Sun). Every round will also be available via NOW and Sky Go streaming.
United States and Canada: Catch every drive and putt on Golf Channel, with digital coverage available on Peacock.
Middle East & North Africa: Watch live on OSN Sports Golf or enjoy highlights and featured clips on the DP World Tour YouTube channel.
Worldwide: Fans in over 200 regions can follow the tournament through more than 30 broadcast partners — including SuperSport (South Africa), Fox Sports (Australia), and Eurosport Asia.
Final Thoughts – Who Will Rise from the Desert?
This year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship feels like more than just another tournament — it’s a defining moment in the season. Will McIlroy cement his legend, or could a rising star like Penge or MacIntyre steal the spotlight? And here’s the question that’s bound to spark debate — is the dominance of familiar names good for golf, or is it time for new faces to reshape the sport’s hierarchy?
Share your take in the comments: Are you rooting for experience, or are you hoping for an upset in the desert?
