# Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship player field updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/abu-dhabi-aldar-championship-player-field-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-26T12:59:51.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs at Yas Links, initially announced a high-profile field featuring Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy. Rahm, a ten-time DP World Tour winner, was scheduled to make his debut at the tournament held from November 5-8.

Subsequent updates indicated that several prominent players would be absent from the competition, including Ryder Cup stars Matt Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Bob MacIntyre, and Ludvig Aberg. While the reasons for these absences—whether due to individual scheduling or regional tensions in the United Arab Emirates—remained unconfirmed, the field continues to be headlined by McIlroy and Rahm.

The tournament remains significant for the Race to Dubai rankings, with the top five players confirmed to compete, including leader Eugenio Chacarra. Defending champion Aaron Rai is also set to participate.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: DP World Tour Playoffs face absences at Abu Dhabi championship

Several high-profile golfers, including Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry, will miss the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, though Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra and Jon Rahm are confirmed to play.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dp-world-tour-playoffs-face-absences-at-abu-dhabi-championship

### 2026-10-12: Jon Rahm to debut at Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship

Jon Rahm will make his debut at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links from November 5-8, joining a field that includes Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jon-rahm-to-debut-at-abu-dhabi-aldar-championship

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Cite as: Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship player field updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/abu-dhabi-aldar-championship-player-field-updates