The season-ending event on the DP World Tour will attract a star-studded field, with the world’s best in action at the DP World Tour Championship in Abu Dhabi.
It could be argued that this year’s field is a class below what we saw in 2023, but a gripping final event on the European Tour calendar looks set to take shape. But, can Rory McIlroy make his class count in Dubai this weekend?
Event Information
The Earth Course at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai will be used to host the event this weekend, with the course hosting the DP World Tour Championship for the 16th consecutive year.
This weekend’s event will be contested at a par-72 course, with the field covering a total distance of 7,675 yards. A huge purse is up for grabs, with players competing for their share of the $10 million purse.
DP World Tour Championship Odds
Rory McIlroy is a red-hot favourite in the BetXchange odds this weekend, with the former champion priced up at 4/1. Tyrrell Hatton could be an interesting contender at 7/1, with Tommy Fleetwood and Joaquin Niemann priced up at 9/1 and 14/1, respectively.
Shane Lowry will be a popular selection at 18/1, with Matt Wallace, Robert MacIntyre and Rasmus Hojgaard available at prices of 20/1, 22/1, and 25/1, respectively.
Event Preview
All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy this weekend, as he looks to wrap up a sixth Race to Dubai title. McIlroy has a fine record in the event, winning twice during his esteemed career.
However, you have to go back to 2015 for his most recent victory, which was also the latest time in which he had finished in the top two. At the very least, McIlroy’s healthy advantage means that he will win the Race to Dubai this weekend.
But, the Northern Irishman is the only previous course winner, due to other past champions not being involved. Nicolai Hojgaard didn’t qualify, while Matt Fitzpatrick also didn’t pick up the required points to compete this weekend. Other notable absences include Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg.
Tyrrell Hatton has been very consistent on the LIV Golf schedule this season, and transferred that form back onto the DP World Tour when finishing second in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship last weekend. Despite that finish, Hatton remains sixth in the overall standings.
Robert MacIntyre is a player worth considering of those at bigger prices this weekend. The Scottish player sits ninth in the overall standings, winning 2,082.30 points from just ten tournaments this season. He warmed up for this weekend’s shot at history after finishing in the top 20 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
DP World Tour Championship Prediction
All the stars appear to have aligned for McIlroy this weekend, and he looks good value to make his class tell. The Northern Irishman boasts winning experience over the Earth Course, and can play without as much stress on his shoulders this weekend after all-but wrapping up the Race to Dubai title.
