The penultimate event of the DP World Tour season takes place this week at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, with players scrambling for crucial points ahead of next weekend’s DP World Tour Championship. Below we break down the course, list recent champions, and finish with a few selections to consider.
Course
Yas Links will play host to this week’s tournament. The relatively new course is a links, something you don’t come by often in that part of the world. Located in the sandy terrain, there are plenty of bunkers as well as sandy hazards throughout the course. Water comes into play on 9 of the 18 holes and accuracy off the tee will be key. The par 72 course plays a long 7,425 yards (6,789 metres) but because of the heat in the desert, length shouldn’t be a problem for the players but accuracy and flight control remain at a premium.
Past Winners
2024 Paul Waring (England) -24 2 strokes
2023 Victor Perez (France) -18 1 stroke
2022 Thomas Pieters (Belgium) -10 1 stroke
2021 Tyrrell Hatton (England) -18 4 strokes
2020 Lee Westwood (England) -19 2 strokes
2019 Shane Lowry (Ireland) -18 1 stroke
Prior to 2022 it was played at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club
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The top European players all return this week and so the field is stacked with the best of the best.
The Field & Betting Angle – click here to bet
This year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship boasts a high-class lineup, headlined by Rory McIlroy (7.00) and Tommy Fleetwood (7.50), both in excellent form and proven performers in Middle Eastern conditions. Tyrrell Hatton (9.50) also commands plenty of interest with his strong record at Yas Links. Behind the big three, emerging star Ludvig Åberg (13.00) and consistent performers Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre (both 15.00) make up a talented chasing pack.
The middle tier is full of value plays such as Rasmus Højgaard and Tom McKibbin (21.00), who both thrive on firm, windy layouts, while Alex Noren and Shane Lowry (23.00) have links pedigree to suit Yas Links perfectly. Further down, experienced pros like Patrick Reed (36.00) and in-form outsiders Angel Ayora and Kristoffer Reitan (46.00) could offer each-way interest.
In betting terms, it’s a deep field with clear tiers, elite favourites with strong track records in the Gulf, a cluster of European talents in form, and several long-odds specialists who could surprise if conditions turn tricky.
SELECTIONS:
Tommy Fleetwood win only at 7.50
Fleetwood has had a remarkable end to his 2025 season. Tommy kicked things off with his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship in August. He then went on to win an away Ryder Cup where he played a crucial role in securing points and followed that up with another win on the DP World Tour at the India Championship last month. He finished in 6th place at last year’s tournament and will be looking to better that before heading into next weekend.
Tyrrell Hatton win only at 9.50
Another European Ryder Cup player who is coming into this week on a good run of form. Hatton’s most recent tournament saw him return to the DP World Tour after his LIV season and finish in 2nd place at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Hatton has a very strong record at Yas Links, finishing in the top 10 in all of his last three starts with his best finish being runner-up at last year’s tournament. I think he stands a very good chance of winning this week.
Tom McKibbin each way at 21.00
McKibbin has impressed over the last few months. In his last four starts, he has finished 15th or better on every occasion. His two best finishes came at the Open De Espana where he finished in 4th place and his win at last weekends Hong Kong Open on the Asian Tour. He is playing some remarkable golf, and I think he will do well this week.
Elvis Smylie each way at 91.00
With the card already top-heavy, Smylie is my speculative long shot. He flashed real upside with a runner-up finish at the Open de France a few weeks back, and while the Alfred Dunhill and Korea Open results were underwhelming, he often finds form as the season winds down. A tidy ball-striker with enough length to keep up, he’s the type who can jump the board if the putter cooperates. At this price, I’m hoping he’s in the mix on the back nine Sunday.
Prices correct at time of writing but subject to change
