The World is Coming to Dubai
How do the DP World Tour Play-Offs work?
Introduced as part of a new-look schedule for the first time in 2024, the DP World Tour Play-Offs are the final sprint of the Race to Dubai season.
After 41 events across 25 countries, the top 50 on the Race to Dubai Rankings following the Abu Dhabi Championship contest the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the year.
History of the event
Since its inception in 2009, the DP World Tour Championship has marked the climax of the season-long Race to Dubai rankings race.
There have been a host of memorable moments since Lee Westwood won the inaugural edition. Several of Europe’s most recognised players have won the coveted title, with Matt Fitzpatrick joining Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm as three-time winners last year.
The tournament has been part of the Rolex Series since 2017, while it is the second event in the DP World Tour Play-Offs and provides a $10million prize fund – the biggest of the season.
It builds on the long-term relationship the DP World Tour has with Dubai, which began more than 30 years ago.
Who is in the field?
The top 50 available players on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World will compete at the season-ending event, where the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai champion is crowned.
Keep across the DP World Tour website for updates on player announcements, with the full field set to be announced after the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Championship in November.
The venue
Jumeirah Golf Estates, managed by wasl Asset Management Group, is a world-class residential golf destination with two internationally acclaimed championship golf courses, Earth and Fire, operated by Dubai Golf, a subsidiary of wasl.
The Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates has played host to the DP World Tour Championship since 2009.
Measuring 7,706 yards from the tournament tees, it has a course record of 62 – shot by Justin Rose in 2012.
What happened last year?
Matt Fitzpatrick secured his third DP World Tour Championship title in style as he beat Rory McIlroy in a play-off to finish the 2025 season on a high.
The Englishman started the final round one shot off the lead but made three birdies in the first five holes to stay in the hunt before finishing with a flourish to sign for a bogey-free 66 and set the clubhouse target at 18 under par.
In a dramatic finish, McIlroy got the eagle he needed at the last to force a play-off, only to find the penalty area with his tee-shot at the first extra hole.
And Fitzpatrick took full advantage, getting up and down for par to see off his Ryder Cup team-mate, win a second Rolex Series title and add a third DP World Tour Championship crown to the ones he won in 2016 and 2020.
