The DP World Tour returns to Jumeirah Golf Estates this week for the 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship, as the top 50 on the Race to Dubai compete in the season-ending Rolex Series showpiece. Here are your five things to know.
15th anniversary edition
Since its inception in 2009, the DP World Tour Championship has marked the climax of the season-long rankings race. There have been a host of memorable moments over the Earth Course between Lee Westwood winning the inaugural edition and Jon Rahm sealing a record third victory last season. Several of Europe’s most recognised players have won the coveted title, with two-time winners Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick seeking to match Rahm's feet this week. All three Major Champions are back chasing more success this week over the Earth course but face a stern test with all the top 50 on the Race to Dubai taking their places in a field which boasts three of the world’s top four players and ten members of the 2023 European Ryder Cup-winning team. Once again, the tournament appears set to live up to its billing of showcasing ‘The Greatest Players on Earth’.
Rahm defends while McIlroy is assured fifth Harry Vardon Trophy
Jon Rahm etched his name into the record books 12 months ago by becoming the first player to win the DP World Tour Championship for a third time as he notched up a record fifth Rolex Series titles. The Spaniard has since won his second Major Championship earlier this season at the Masters Tournament, having earlier won three PGA TOUR titles in five starts at the start of the year. The Earth course has also proved a happy hunting ground for Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, who has won the DP World Tour Championship twice in 2012 and 2015 as well as topping the Race to Dubai Rankings four times. The 34-year-old arrives in Dubai assured of becoming European Number One for a fifth time and thus moving closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Harry Vardon Trophies.
PGA TOUR cards up for grabs
As part of the Strategic Alliance between the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, a direct and formal pathway has been established for players to earn dual membership status. Following the conclusion of this week’s event, the top ten players, not otherwise exempt, on the 2023 Race to Dubai Rankings will gain 2024 PGA TOUR exemptions, while maintaining their DP World Tour status. Of those ten dual members, the leading player will also be exempt into THE PLAYERS Championship and the Charles Schwab Challenge next year. The leading finisher from the 2023 Race to Dubai, not otherwise exempt through the top 50 of the 2022-23 FedExCup standings, will earn a spot into two PGA TOUR Signature Events in 2024. Adrian Meronk currently occupies the top finishing position following last week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge. Among those also in line for dual membership are Rolex Series winner Victor Perez, Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre and recent first-time DP World Tour winner Ryo Hisatsune.
You can see who is currently in line for dual membership by clicking here.
G4D TOUR celebrates season finale
In addition to the 2023 DP World Tour campaign reaching a conclusion this week, the second season of the ground breaking G4D Tour also draws to a close in Dubai. Since its inception last year, the G4D Tour has provided a high-profile platform for talented and inspirational athletes to compete in the same week and at the same venue as DP World Tour players. Earlier this year saw the inaugural edition of the G4D Open, staged in partnership with The R&A, which was won by Brendan Lawlor at Woburn. World Number One Kipp Popert arrives in the Middle East with four wins to his name in the ongoing campaign, having won as many during the inaugural season. The eight-strong field for the concluding event comprises players who have won on the G4D Tour such as Popert, Lawlor, Juan Postigo Arce and David Watts, with the remaining positions occupied by the leading players on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability.
Sustainable tournament experience
This year’s DP World Tour Championship is set to be the greenest edition to date, with a number of innovations providing a more sustainable tournament experience at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Sustainability is a key focus of the 15th anniversary edition of the tournament, reflecting the European Tour group’s commitment to Driving Golf Further. Among a range of sustainable initiatives, the hospitality Earth Lounge on the 16th hole will be fully powered by solar panels and hydrogen generators producing zero carbon emissions. Also at the top of the sustainability agenda is waste management and water conservation, with 75% of all event waste to be recycled and the tournament continuing its ban on plastic water bottles for the third year running. Fans and spectators arriving in electric vehicles will also be able to take advantage of free charging stations and preferred parking spaces. These activations are another step forward for the European Tour group Green Drive initiative, delivered with support from GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation,
