10 Big Names Missing The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

A number of stars will compete at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first DP World Tour Playoff tournament of 2025, held at Yas Links. Among the confirmed players are Ryder Cup stars and Major winners such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry.

Despite the strong field, several notable golfers will be absent as 76 players compete for the trophy and Race to Dubai Ranking points.

Notable Absences

Paul Waring: Last year’s champion won with a course record 61 in round two, finishing 24-under par, two strokes ahead of Tyrrell Hatton. Waring will miss the 2025 event due to injury.
Jon Rahm: After his home tournament, the Open de España, Rahm announced in October that he won’t play competitively until February 2026. Although he secured the LIV Golf Individual title for the second year running, 2025 was his first season without a win. Rahm has previously won the DP World Tour Championship three times (2017, 2019, 2022).

"Following his home open, the Open de España, Rahm will be among the big names not present in Abu Dhabi, as the two-time Major winner confirmed back in October that he will not be playing competitively until February 2026."

Summary

While the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship boasts many top players, key figures including Paul Waring and Jon Rahm will miss the 2025 tournament due to injury and planned break respectively.

Author's note: The 2025 Abu Dhabi event highlights the mix of emerging talents and well-known absences shaping the season's kickoff.

Golf Monthly — 2025-11-04