Rory McIlroy was unable to stop Jon Rahm from completing a memorable return to the DP World Tour winner’s circle, finishing third at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship after an eventful final round at Yas Links.
The Northern Irishman entered Sunday with hopes of challenging for the title, but despite an encouraging start, he could not keep pace with Rahm, who produced a five-under-par 67 to secure a two-shot victory.
McIlroy’s final-round challenge falls short
McIlroy started the final round at 16-under-par, two shots behind overnight leader Rahm. With Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Laporta also in contention, the closing round promised a competitive battle for the Abu Dhabi title.
The former Masters champion made an immediate impression, opening with a birdie before following it with an eagle to put pressure on the leaders.
However, he was unable to sustain that momentum throughout the round. McIlroy eventually signed for a three-under-par 69, finishing the tournament at 19-under-par and four shots behind the eventual winner.
It was still a strong performance from the 37-year-old, who recorded his 11th top-three finish in 15 appearances at the Abu Dhabi event. However, the result meant another opportunity to claim the title had passed him by.
Jon Rahm holds off McIlroy and Hatton
While McIlroy struggled to close the gap, Rahm delivered when it mattered most.
The Spaniard began the final round with a one-shot advantage and carded six birdies against just one bogey to finish at 23-under-par.
Hatton remained his closest challenger, producing a four-under-par 68 to finish second at 21-under. McIlroy followed in third, while Laporta finished fourth at 17-under.
Rahm’s victory was particularly significant given the circumstances surrounding his return to the DP World Tour following his departure from LIV Golf.
The two-time major champion secured his 11th DP World Tour title and a record-breaking sixth Rolex Series victory, ending a four-year wait for another win on the circuit.
McIlroy turns attention to Race to Dubai finale
Despite missing out on the Abu Dhabi trophy, McIlroy leaves Yas Links with an important result in his pursuit of another Race to Dubai title.
His third-place finish moved him into second position in the season-long standings, behind Eugenio Chacarra, ahead of next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Rahm has also strengthened his position, climbing to sixth in the standings and keeping his own hopes of claiming the season-long crown alive.
The attention now turns to the final event of the DP World Tour season, where McIlroy will have another opportunity to secure the Race to Dubai title.
For now, however, the Abu Dhabi Championship belongs to Rahm, who completed a significant victory while McIlroy was left to settle for third.
