Second DP World Tour play-offs launch with Paul Waring as guest star

DUBAI: With less than a month to go until the DP World Tour Play-Offs return to the UAE for their second edition, reigning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Paul Waring was among those in attendance at the official launch on Wednesday.

The countdown is on following last year’s successful inaugural event, comprising the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, which saw course records broken at Yas Links and record crowds at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The action begins with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which will celebrate its 20th edition, taking place from Nov. 6-9. The leading 70 players on the Race to Dubai rankings will battle it out for the prestigious Falcon Trophy before the field is reduced to the top 50 players at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship from Nov. 13-16. The Race to Dubai champion will then be crowned.

Reigning champion Rory McIlroy secured a Dubai double last season, winning the DP World Tour Championship for a record-equaling third time and claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for a sixth time, matching the tally of the late, great Seve Ballesteros.

At Yas Links last year, it was the launch’s special guest, Waring, in the spotlight. He held off a stellar field, including McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton, to claim his first Rolex Series title.

“Winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last season was one of the most memorable moments of my golf career,” said Waring.

“Having two back-to-back Rolex Series events to close out the season in the UAE was incredibly exciting, especially now that I’m based here. Although I won’t be competing this year due to injury, I’m really looking forward to watching the action unfold at both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World