The Race to Dubai will be settled at this week’s DP World Tour Championship, and Rory McIlroy is ready to make his move. The World Number Two heads to the Earth course chasing leader Eugenio Chacarra, with a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy on the line.
McIlroy climbs to second after Abu Dhabi
McIlroy finished third at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship. That result lifted him above Patrick Reed, who had led the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World for much of the season.
As a result, the Northern Irishman now sits second, 533.93 points behind Chacarra. With 2,000 points on offer to the winner in Dubai, the deficit is far from insurmountable.
What’s more, the six-time Major Champion has won three times on the Earth course. Another title would put him alongside Colin Montgomerie in the record books.
“It was a good week. I saw some encouraging signs in the game,” the 37-year-old said.
“I’m going to be in that final group going out on Thursday next week. I obviously would have loved to have won the tournament, but enough positive signs to feel good about going into next week.”
“That’s where I wanted to be”
McIlroy admitted that catching the leaders had been the plan all along.
“That’s where I wanted to be. It’s a pretty familiar spot for me going into the DP World Tour Championship and I’m excited for it,” he said.
“That was the goal coming into these two weeks to try to catch Eugenio and Patrick, and try to win the Race to Dubai again.
“It would have been great to win this week and give myself not as much of a deficit or even a lead, but still feel like I’m right in there with a great chance.”
Chacarra names McIlroy the Race to Dubai favourite
Despite holding the advantage, Chacarra was quick to hand the favourite’s tag to his rival.
“It’s hard. He’s the number two player in the world and the number one in Europe, and he’s been doing it for a long time and he plays really good out in Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” the Spaniard said.
“He has played that course a million times, and I only played it once.
“He’s going to be up there and we are going to battle on next week. Obviously the odds are on him and he’s the favourite, but we’ll play golf.”
Even so, Chacarra believes he can rise to the occasion. “We know what I’m capable of when I am playing good. There was a lot of good this week, but I just need to sharpen up to have a chance next week.”
Jon Rahm keeps an outside chance alive
Meanwhile, Jon Rahm stormed to victory at Yas Links on his tournament debut. That win keeps him in the hunt for a second Race to Dubai crown, and his first since 2019.
However, the Spaniard needs plenty to go his way. He must win again in Dubai, while Chacarra would need to finish no higher than eighth and McIlroy no better than runner-up.
“I didn’t think I ever had a chance to win it! I’m very excited, it gives me a little more incentive for next week because I really didn’t think I had a chance,” Rahm said.
“Those are better odds than I expected so I’m looking forward to it and hopefully I can get my fourth one and finish the year with back-to-back wins.”
A victory would be Rahm’s fourth on the Earth course.
DP World Tour Championship tickets and fan zone
Away from the battle for the Harry Vardon Trophy, the Championship Village offers a full day out across all four days.
- Food and drink: UAE favourites including Pickl, Allo Beirut and La Patrona serve from 20 catering locations across the village and the 15th and 17th platforms.
- Skill Zone: free daily clinics from the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, F1 simulators and putting challenges, plus big screens, trick-shot shows and live music.
- Kids zones: open daily, with bouncy castles, face painting and magic shows.
- Ladies Day (Saturday 14 November): free Pilates, a beginners’ golf clinic, two complimentary drinks from 11am and live music from Ark Angels after play.
- Family Day (Sunday 15 November): free House of Pops ice lollies for kids, plus free golf lessons for children and parents.
Entry on Thursday 12 November is free with pre-registration. General Admission from Friday to Sunday starts at AED 60, and children aged 17 and under go free on all four days, although their tickets must be registered in advance. Groups of eight or more can save with discounted tickets, and the 1st Tee Experience returns as an add-on.
For a front-row seat as the Race to Dubai is decided, Ticket+ guarantees a place in the shaded front section of The Greatest Bar on Earth – powered by Axi, overlooking the 17th green and 18th tee. On the closing holes, the Championship Chalet on the 18th green and the Earth Lounge on the 16th offer premium views. Fans should act fast, though: Friday in the Earth Lounge and Sunday in the Chalet have already sold out.
To register for free Thursday tickets and explore all options, visit dpwtc.com.
