One year after the win that changed everything, Paul Waring reflects on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship high, the injury low, and why he won’t be back defend this month.
A year on from the week at Yas Links that flipped his career on its head, Paul Waring still often re-watches the reels. His emotional triumph in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship was the biggest win of his career – genuinely life-changing, opening the door to the PGA Tour – but the stinging reality of Tour golf is the body doesn’t always play ball.
An untimely shoulder injury has wrecked his schedule and the Dubai resident won’t be back to defend his title at Yas Links from November 6–9. In this exclusive interview with Worldwide Golf’s Rick Bevan, he looks back on the 61 that set it up, that breathtaking three-wood into 18 on the final day, and the mindset shift that followed – a candid reminder that even career-defining weeks come with a price.
Worldwide Golf: You’ve had time to look back on Abu Dhabi. How often do you replay that week?
Paul Waring: Yeah, quite a bit if I’m honest. I’ve still got a few clips saved on Twitter – I do live it back now and then. It was definitely a career-defining moment for me. With the PGA Tour pathway through the top ten cards (for Race to Dubai Rankings top finishers), it gave me something I’d always dreamed of – the chance to play more in America. But to win here in the UAE, in front of so many friends and familiar faces, that made it really special. I was absolutely made up to have achieved that in my career.
WWG: That second-round 61 was outrageous. What clicked?
PW: You get those moments in a season when everything just flows, and I was lucky it happened in such a big event. I’d moved to Dubai, was practising really well, and my body felt great in the warm weather. I’d felt close for a while – like it was coming – and it was class that it all came together that week.
WWG: Talk us through the three-wood into 18 to set up the win on the final day. Plenty thought lay-up.
PW: People did say that! But I’ve always found the lay-up at Yas Links really tricky visually. Even in practice rounds it doesn’t suit my eye — there isn’t a clear landing spot depending on the flag. So, if I get a chance to take it on in two, I’m taking it on. That was my plan all week.
That second round I missed the tee shot left, hacked it out, and was left a three-wood I hit to about three-and-a-half feet – probably one of the best shots of my career. I’d hit a couple of really solid ones with that club earlier in the week too, so by Sunday, even with a one-shot lead, there was no talk between me and my caddie about laying up. We’d hit that shot under pressure already; we knew what we were doing. For me, laying up could’ve brought six into play – taking it on made more sense. I trusted the shot and leaned on the memory bank.
WWG: Abu Dhabi and the DP World Tour Championship close the season – does the new DP World Tour Play-Offs format work for you?
PW: It makes perfect sense. I first came out here in 2007 when Abu Dhabi started the year. Now, finishing the season with two great events as we move into winter here just feels right. The weather’s perfect, tourism’s booming, and it’s a great time for outdoor sport. Four days in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai – brilliant for fans and families. For players it’s a proper target. It’s not just points or money; it’s about coming back here to finish the year.
WWG: You’ve made Dubai home. Why does it work for you?
PW: We’re spoilt, really. I’ve been coming here nearly 20 years and it’s changed massively – back then the marina by Emirates Golf Club wasn’t even built. I used to spend winters practising here and was flying through Dubai Airport seven months of the year. It just made sense to base myself here: world-class facilities, fantastic people, and anything you want at the top level.
Ironically, one of the reasons I moved was to lessen travel time and after my win in Abu Dhabi I’m now playing more in the States – it’s 16 hours to San Francisco! But Dubai’s so well connected you can still make it work. Like Tommy [Fleetwood], I’ll stay based here and fly over when I need to.
WWG: From that high to injury frustrations with a persistent shoulder issue. What’s the reality of injuries and life as a Tour pro?
PW: It’s professional sport – the wear and tear is real. We play four rounds a week over about 25 events – roughly 100 competitive rounds a year – plus practice, pro-ams, gym work, travel. Injuries happen. Mine came at an annoying time, but that’s how it goes. You can’t control it.
What it has given me is a reset. Mentally I’ve had time to get some clarity and I’m hungrier to get back. The plan is to hopefully return by the end of the year and then start fresh in 2026 – maybe the Dubai Invitational or the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
