Days after LIV Golf's death, Jon Rahm's Abu Dhabi win showed what comes next

Jon Rahm emerged victorious at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship on his inaugural tournament appearance. The Spaniard outlasted a field featuring golfing titans Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton, securing a two-stroke triumph at Yas Links. This win marked Rahm's first victory on the DP World Tour in over three and a half years, following his last win at the 2023 Masters.

For a significant period, Rahm had been absent from the traditional tours, spending time on the LIV Golf circuit. His return to the mainstream golfing scene was celebrated as he clinched a sixth Rolex Series title on his debut. Hatton secured the runner-up position for the second time in three years. Rahm, who had rarely been seen at Abu Dhabi before, found success at Yas Links, with his worst round being a 5-under-par 67 on Friday during the first 72 holes.

The win was particularly notable for the Spaniard, as it was his second title in Abu Dhabi, following Pablo Larrazabal's victory in 2014. McIlroy, who had participated in the tournament 15 times, was unable to secure the title. This victory places Spanish golfer Eugenio Chacarra in a strong position at the top of the Race to Dubai, ahead of the final event in Dubai next week.

McIlroy aims to complete his eighth order of merit at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.