Abu Dhabi:Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, has crowned Spain's Jon Rahm as the champion of the 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Golf Championship. The event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, took place over four days at Yas Links on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
According to Wam, the 2026 championship marks the first of two season-ending playoff events on the DP World Tour. The event featured the top 70 available players in the Race to Dubai Rankings, with the top 50 players advancing to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next week, concluding the season.
In the final round, Jon Rahm carded a five-under-par to secure a victory with a total score of 23-under-par. England's Tyrrell Hatton finished in second place at 21-under-par, followed by Rory McIlroy in third at 19-under-par. The trophy presentation was attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Retired Major General Staff Pilot Abdullah Al Sayed Al Hashmi, and Talal Al Dhiyebi.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon praised the championship's prestigious status on the international sporting stage, highlighting its success due to the support from Abu Dhabi's leadership. He emphasized the event's role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for major international sporting events, contributing to tourism and economic growth.
Al Awani commended the championship's success, attributing it to the efforts of sponsors, partners, the local organizing committee, volunteers, and DP World Tour representatives. He congratulated Jon Rahm on his victory and affirmed Abu Dhabi's commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.
The championship's strong spectator turnout and global television coverage underscore its success in promoting golf. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council remains dedicated to expanding golf participation and supporting development initiatives to identify emerging talent and encourage sports participation across the region.
Source Wam