Jon Rahm knows his way around the DP World Tour Championship. He’s won it three times, in 2017, 2019 and 2022. Getting into this year’s event, however, requires a little more work than he might have expected.

The two-time Major champion arrives at Yas Links for the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship sitting 51st in the Race to Dubai Rankings, with only the top 50 progressing to next week’s season finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

For a player accustomed to competing for trophies rather than calculating qualification points, it’s an unusual predicament. Rahm, though, seems considerably less concerned than the mathematics might suggest.

“The good thing about this week is that we are all guaranteed points, right. So I know I need to play well but I don’t think I need a stellar effort to make it to next week.

“I would say if I just play solid, I know the way that I can play golf, I should play next week. But yes, it’s an unusual thought to have. It’s a little bit added to just the tournament itself.”

Confidence has rarely been in short supply where Rahm is concerned. And given his record in the UAE, there’s good reason for it.

Yas Links Makes a Strong First Impression

This is Rahm’s first visit to Abu Dhabi, arriving just weeks after he and his wife, Kelley, welcomed their fourth child, Begoña.

He touched down on Monday following a lengthy journey and wasted little time getting acquainted with Yas Links, heading straight out to inspect the front nine.

The verdict was encouraging.

“It’s in about as good shape as you can expect a golf course to be,” said Rahm.

“That was absolutely fantastic. Not a blade of grass out of place. Firm, but reactive in a consistent way. It was truly enjoyable. The one thing everybody has told me coming to this golf course is that it’s always in great shape and there’s a lot of movement to the greens.”

Course conditioning is one thing. Playing it when the wind picks up is another.

The breeze was already making itself felt across Yas Island on Monday, although that is unlikely to trouble a man whose two Irish Open victories came at Portstewart in 2017 and Lahinch in 2019.

Both provided the sort of exposed coastal conditions in which controlling the golf ball becomes rather more important than simply hitting it a long way.

Rahm’s approach, however, is not to search for a course that suits his game. He believes the responsibility lies with the player.

“I think nowadays, we get very caught up on a golf course fitting a player, where I think as players, it’s our duty to adjust to the golf course and the conditions,” said the World Number 15.

“I think the players that can do that the best are the ones that can win consistently. If you only play where you think you can play good, it’s going to be a very short career, at least as far as I’m concerned.”

It’s a philosophy that should serve him well this week, particularly if the wind continues to play its part.

A Little Sightseeing, If Time Allows

There is also the small matter of discovering Abu Dhabi beyond the golf course.

Rahm is staying on Yas Island, where the attractions include the Formula 1 circuit and Ferrari World. So far, however, his itinerary has been dictated by practice and tournament preparations.

“Obviously I’m aware that the F1 track is right there, Ferrari World is right here. I just haven’t been able to go out and explore,” he said.

“Tomorrow after the Pro-Am when I have a free afternoon, maybe I get to do a little bit of that.”

Whether he manages to squeeze in some sightseeing remains to be seen. There are, after all, rather more pressing matters awaiting him on the leaderboard.

What’s Happening at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship?

The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship takes place at Yas Links from 5–8 November, bringing together the top 70 available players from the Race to Dubai Rankings for the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs.

For spectators, there is plenty happening beyond the competition itself.

Saturday and Sunday form the tournament’s Family Weekend, part of the UAE’s Year of the Family celebrations. Children aged 17 and under receive free admission throughout the event.

The Future Falcons Kids’ Zone will offer free golf lessons, face painting, bubble shows, games and other activities, while the Championship Village will feature interactive golf challenges, a long putt competition and opportunities to watch live trick-shot demonstrations.

There is also live music after play each day, with Greg Pearson opening proceedings on Thursday, followed by Speed Wagon on Friday, Wet Grass on Saturday and Ollie Chapman closing the programme on Sunday.

Tickets and Hospitality

General admission is free on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November.

Weekend tickets cost AED 90 when booked in advance, compared with AED 100 at the gate.

For those wanting something beyond general admission, the Bar on Nine Ticket+ experience starts at AED 180, including an AED 100 food and drink voucher.

The Championship Chalet overlooking the 18th green offers premium hospitality, with prices beginning at AED 1,600.

Fans unable to attend can also watch through the usual broadcast partners, while viewers in the Middle East have the option of purchasing individual rounds or a four-day Championship Pass through DP World Tour’s Recast service.

As for Rahm, he has already demonstrated that he knows how to win in Dubai.

First, he needs to make certain he’s playing there next week.