Rahm begins career rebuild with win in Abu Dhabi but McIlroy surges in Race to Dubai

McIlroy is looking to join Colin Montgomerie on a record eight Race to Dubai titles. 

Jon Rahm of Spain kisses the Falcon Trophy as he celebrates after winning the on day four of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links Golf Course on November 08, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Jon Rahm fought off Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton to win the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday for his first European tour title in four years, marking a successful start to the Spaniard’s career rebuild following the demise of LIV Golf.

Rahm shot 5-under 67 and was 23-under par for the week at Yas Links, two strokes clear of Hatton (68) and four ahead of McIlroy (69) in the first of the two season-ending playoff tournaments in the United Arab Emirates.