Jon Rahm Beats Tyrrell Hatton and Rory McIlroy to Win Abu Dhabi Championship in First Event Since Leaving LIV Golf
Jon Rahm is a winner again. The Spanish star won the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Yas Links, firing a final-round 67 to finish at 23-under-par 265, two shots clear of England's Tyrrell Hatton. Rory McIlroy finished third at 19 under in a final leaderboard stacked with major champions.
Quick Answer: How Jon Rahm Won in Abu Dhabi
Jon Rahm won the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Yas Links, shooting a final-round 67 to finish at 23-under-par 265, two shots ahead of Tyrrell Hatton at 21 under, with Rory McIlroy third at 19 under. It was Rahm's 11th DP World Tour title, his first DP World Tour win in four years, his first victory since the Masters in April 2023, and his first tournament since leaving LIV Golf.
A Final Round of Six Birdies and One Bogey
Rahm began the final round leading by one shot, and he never gave that lead away. His closing 67 featured six birdies and just one bogey, a composed round under real pressure with Hatton chasing him all afternoon. Hatton, who finished at 21 under, kept the pressure on, but Rahm's steady ball-striking and calm putting carried him to a two-shot victory.
The win was Rahm's 11th on the DP World Tour and his first on the tour in four years. It was also his first victory anywhere since he won the Masters in April 2023, ending a drought of more than three and a half years without a win for one of the game's biggest names.
First Event Since Leaving LIV Golf
The context made the victory even bigger. Abu Dhabi was Rahm's first tournament since leaving LIV Golf, which announced it will shut down after five years. Rahm's return to the DP World Tour was one of the most watched comebacks in recent golf history, and winning on his first start back answered every question about his form and his focus.
It was also his first event since the birth of his fourth child last month, a detail that added a personal note to a week that already carried enormous professional weight. Rahm looked relaxed all week at Yas Links, and his final-round performance showed a player fully comfortable with where he is, on and off the course.
McIlroy Third After a Wild Week
Rory McIlroy finished third at 19 under, four shots behind Rahm, after a week that had everything. McIlroy shot a nine-under 63 in round two with 11 birdies, one of the best rounds of his season. But his week began with a two-shot penalty on Thursday for improving his lie, a ruling that cost him dearly in a tournament decided by small margins.
McIlroy was characteristically blunt about the incident, saying: "I'd much rather be two shots worse off than be called a cheat." The quote summed up a frustrating week for the Northern Irishman, who played some brilliant golf but could not quite catch Rahm over the closing holes.
What the Win Means for Rahm
This victory resets the conversation around Jon Rahm. For months, the questions were about his future, his form, and whether leaving LIV Golf would help or hurt his career. A win in his first event back, against a field that included McIlroy and Hatton, is the strongest possible answer.
Rahm now heads into the rest of the season with momentum and confidence, and with 11 DP World Tour titles to his name, he remains one of the most decorated players of his generation. For more weekend sports coverage, check out our full guide to this weekend's biggest sporting moments.
McIlroy Chases a Record-Equalling Eighth Race to Dubai Title
Despite finishing third, McIlroy left Abu Dhabi in a strong position. He finished second in the Race to Dubai standings, and he now goes into the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, played November 12 to 15, chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
The Dubai finale is one of the biggest events on the European calendar, and McIlroy will arrive there as the man to beat in the season-long race. His form in Abu Dhabi, including that remarkable 63 in round two, suggests he is peaking at exactly the right time. The championship runs from November 12 to 15, and McIlroy's pursuit of an eighth title will be one of the biggest stories in golf this week.
Final Leaderboard: Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship
- 1. Jon Rahm, 23 under par (265), final round 67
- 2. Tyrrell Hatton, 21 under par, two shots behind
- 3. Rory McIlroy, 19 under par, four shots behind
Rahm's 265 total was built on four rounds of consistent, aggressive golf at Yas Links, a course that rewards bold play but punishes mistakes. His six birdies in the final round, against just one bogey, showed the control that has defined his best golf. Hatton pushed him hard, and McIlroy's late charge kept the leaderboard tight, but Rahm was never caught.
The result also continues a strong run of form for European golf's biggest names heading into the Dubai finale. With the Race to Dubai title still to be decided, the season-ending championship promises a fitting climax. For another big result from the weekend, read our report on Kirk Cousins returning to the Vikings at the NFL trade deadline, and catch up on Lando Norris winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Abu Dhabi Championship in 2026?
Jon Rahm won the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Yas Links, finishing at 23-under-par 265, two shots clear of Tyrrell Hatton.
What did Jon Rahm shoot in the final round?
Rahm shot a final-round 67, with six birdies and one bogey, to hold off Hatton and win by two shots. He led by one shot overnight before the final round.
Where did Rory McIlroy finish in Abu Dhabi?
Rory McIlroy finished third at 19 under par, four shots behind Rahm. He shot a nine-under 63 in round two with 11 birdies, but a two-shot penalty on Thursday for improving his lie cost him.
Was this Jon Rahm's first win since leaving LIV Golf?
Yes, Abu Dhabi was Rahm's first tournament since leaving LIV Golf, which announced it will shut down after five years. It was also his first victory since winning the Masters in April 2023 and his first DP World Tour win in four years.
How many DP World Tour titles has Jon Rahm won?
The Abu Dhabi win was Jon Rahm's 11th DP World Tour title.
What is Rory McIlroy chasing at the DP World Tour Championship?
McIlroy finished second in the Race to Dubai standings and goes into the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, played November 12 to 15, chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
Comments
Post a Comment