Jon Rahm Takes One-Shot Lead at Abu Dhabi Championship Amid DP World Tour Return
Jon Rahm carded a six-under 66 on Saturday at Yas Links to claim a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship. The two-time major champion’s surge to 18-under-par comes as he navigates his first DP World Tour start since departing LIV Golf earlier this week.
How Jon Rahm Built His Lead at Yas Links
Jon Rahm built his one-shot lead at Yas Links by carding a bogey-free 66 in the third round, highlighted by a birdie-eagle-birdie stretch starting at the 10th hole that catapulted him to 18-under-par and the outright lead heading into Sunday.
He shared the overnight lead with Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Laporta but pulled clear with flawless execution. Rahm noted that his iron play was the primary driver of his success, allowing him to recover from early mistakes and minimize damage on the middle holes. Playing with lowered expectations due to a lack of recent practice and unfamiliarity with the layout, Rahm found freedom in his swing. He told reporters that taking the course "one shot at a time" allowed him to capitalize on his iron game and hole crucial putts.
Why Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton Remain in Contention
Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton remain in strong contention at 16-under and 17-under par, respectively, after both carded 67s in the third round to stay within striking distance of the leader heading into the final day at Yas Links.
McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, continues his spectacular bounce-back after receiving a two-shot penalty in the opening round for improving his lie. Despite a double bogey on the 10th and a dropped shot on the 17th, his 11 birdies in the second round kept him in the hunt. Hatton, a former Legion XIII teammate of Rahm, briefly held the lead during the third round and plans to apply pressure early on Sunday. McIlroy acknowledged the steep task ahead, noting he will need to shoot in the mid-to-low 60s to capture the title.
What Jon Rahm’s DP World Tour Return Means for the Tour
Jon Rahm’s return to the DP World Tour provides a significant competitive boost to the tour’s penultimate Play-Off event following the confirmed wind-down of LIV Golf after five years of operation and failed restructuring attempts to retain its top global talent.
Rahm entered the tournament just days after his attorney announced that LIV’s restructured terms were "unacceptable," prompting his departure. With LIV Golf 2.0 failing to attract major names, the two-time major winner is now focusing on the DP World Tour, which he may need to play on next year to secure a PGA Tour return in 2028. This shift highlights a broader realignment in professional golf.
"It would be amazing to win. It’s been a good year so far, but to win again on the DP World Tour would be special." — Jon Rahm via the European Tour
For amateur fans and club members, Rahm’s presence elevates the prestige of the Abu Dhabi Championship, offering a rare opportunity to watch a major champion navigate a course he had never played prior to this week.
What to Watch for in the Final Round at Abu Dhabi
The final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship features a star-studded final group with Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Francesco Laporta teeing off together at 7:25 am GMT, while Rory McIlroy chases from the penultimate group alongside Adam Scott.
Beyond the final group, several other notable players are positioned well on the leaderboard:
- Adam Scott: Remains bogey-free through 54 holes after a 66, sitting at 15-under-par.
- Aaron Rai: The defending champion, who won in a playoff last year, sits at 9-under-par.
For golfers studying tournament strategy, Sunday offers a masterclass in course management under pressure. Watching Rahm and McIlroy navigate the final 18 holes at Yas Links provides practical insights into how elite players mitigate bad swings and capitalize on scoring opportunities when a title is on the line.
