Major champions Aaron Rai and Ryan Fox have confirmed their places at the DP World Tour Championship, which takes place from November 12–15 at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Both players will be targeting the coveted Harry Vardon Trophy.
The pair sit fifth and sixth respectively on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World. Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed are also among the leading contenders. With the two Rolex Series events of the DP World Tour Play-Offs still to come, Rai and Fox can still overhaul current leader Eugenio Chacarra and be crowned European Number One on the Earth course.
Rai arrives as reigning US PGA Champion
The 31-year-old arrives in Dubai as the reigning US PGA Champion. He sealed his maiden Major title with a masterclass in composure at Aronimink Golf Club in May, where a sublime back nine made him the first Englishman in 107 years to lift the Wanamaker Trophy.
That victory also earned him the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award, presented to the DP World Tour member who earns the most Race to Dubai points across the four Major Championships. Alongside his win, Rai finished 48th at the Masters, tied for 11th at the US Open and tied for 79th at The Open.
In addition, Rai will open the Play-Offs as defending champion at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship the week before. Last November, he claimed his second Rolex Series title at Yas Links by beating Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to the UAE. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are two great events, and having them back-to-back makes it a really important couple of weeks. If I can play well in both, I know I’ll give myself a good chance in the Race to Dubai,” said Rai, who will join McIlroy and Reed at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Fox bids for a second Rolex Series title
Fox, meanwhile, will tee it up on the Earth course as Champion Golfer of the Year. The New Zealander birdied the 72nd hole to win his maiden Major title in a thrilling climax to The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in July. Now he will bid to add a second Rolex Series title to his victory at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship.
“Lifting the Claret Jug at Birkdale is something I’ll never forget, but I want to finish the year off strongly,” said Fox. “The DP World Tour Championship is one of the biggest events of the season and, with so much still to play for in the Race to Dubai, it’s going to be a great week.”
DP World Tour Championship tickets
Now in its 18th year, the DP World Tour Championship is one of Dubai’s leading sporting and social events. Entry is free on Thursday, November 12, with pre-registration.
General Admission tickets for Friday to Sunday start from AED 160. Children aged 17 and under go free across all four days, although their tickets must still be registered in advance. Groups of eight or more can also save with discounted General Admission tickets.
Following its successful launch last year, the 1st Tee Experience returns as an add-on to General Admission. It gives fans a dedicated viewing area overlooking the opening tee shots, with complimentary refreshments.
Premium experiences
Fans looking to elevate their day can upgrade to Ticket+, which includes access to The Greatest Bar on Earth overlooking the 17th green. Alternatively, they can choose from two premium experiences on the closing holes. However, they should act fast: Sunday in the Championship Chalet and Friday in the Earth Lounge are already sold out, while Saturday in the Chalet is almost sold out.
Set on the 18th green, the Championship Chalet offers a front-row view of the conclusion of each round. Guests enjoy five-star catering, free-flowing drinks throughout the day and exclusive access to a viewing platform on the 1st tee. On the 16th green, the Earth Lounge provides a more relaxed setting to watch the closing stages unfold, with food served all day and free-flowing drinks in the afternoon.
Championship Village
Away from the course, the Championship Village offers a full day out for fans of all ages. It features dedicated kids’ zones, free golf lessons, trick-shot shows, big screens and sports activations. There is also Ladies Day on Saturday and Family Day on Sunday.
To register for free Thursday tickets and explore all ticket options, including premium experiences, visit dpwtc.com.
