Rahm praises Yas Links Abu Dhabi after record sixth Rolex Series Victory

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 8 November 2026; Jon Rahm praised the condition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi after claiming the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, capping his tournament debut with a record sixth Rolex Series title.

The Spaniard closed with a final round of 67 to finish at 23-under-par - two shots clear of Tyrrell Hatton - and secure his 11th DP World Tour victory. Rory McIlroy finished third after four players briefly shared the lead on the back nine.

Hosting the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, Yas Links Abu Dhabi provided a demanding setting for a closely contested championship. The quality of its greens and the firmness of its fairways drew particular praise from the eventual champion.

Rahm said: “It's going to be hard to ever find a golf course in better shape than this one. It's phenomenal what they've been able to do. The greens are all perfect. When you give some of the best players in the world perfect greens and fairways that are firm, unless the wind conditions get crazy, you're going to have some close scores.”

Ranked number one in the Golf World Top 100 Courses in the Middle East and North Africa in February, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is part of Viya’s portfolio of golf and hospitality venues. Its tournament conditioning reflected the preparation led by Corey Finn, Director of Agronomy for Viya Abu Dhabi, and the club’s greenkeeping team.

Karl Whitehead, General Manager at Viya, who oversees the group’s three golf clubs in Abu Dhabi - including Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, said: “Congratulations to Jon on a brilliant victory. It’s been a fantastic week for Yas Links Abu Dhabi, with a closely contested championship and some very generous feedback from the players about the course.

“Jon’s comments mean a great deal to us and reflect the care that goes into presenting Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Corey and his greenkeeping team deserve enormous credit for delivering such excellent conditions. I’d also like to thank the wider team at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, who worked so hard in preparation for the tournament and throughout the week.”

Attention now turns to the DP World Tour Championship, which takes place at fellow Viya venue Jumeirah Golf Estates from 12 to 15 November, bringing the DP World Tour season to a close.