Rory McIlroy has confirmed he is looking forward to competing in the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship next month, despite the region's fragile political situation. The six-time major champion's comments come amid rumours that the DP World Tour could move the events to Europe due to concerns over their location.
McIlroy relishing UAE return
McIlroy expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the UAE, saying: "The Abu Dhabi Championship is always one of the tournaments I look forward to. Abu Dhabi is a fantastic place to visit, Yas Links is always in immaculate condition, and the atmosphere throughout the week makes it a special event."
He added: "I’ve finished runner-up here four times, so I’d obviously love to go one better and finally win it. I really enjoy finishing my season in the UAE, and hopefully I can have a strong week and put myself in a position to win another Race to Dubai title."
Garcia seeks LIV contract exit
Sergio Garcia is looking to terminate his LIV Golf contract, according to court records. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April that it would stop financial investment in the league after the 2026 season.
LIV Golf’s bankruptcy plea, filed on September 8, included a restructuring that could release players from their existing contracts. This could allow them to pursue opportunities elsewhere, such as the PGA Tour, if a deal could be struck to welcome back those who defected.
Garcia’s lawyers argued: "So long as the agreement remains of record, tournament organisers, sponsors, and other counterparties may hesitate before dealing with Garcia, who may be unable to represent that they are free of competing contractual commitments." They added: "That uncertainty is particularly acute for a professional athlete, whose tournament schedule, sponsorship arrangements, and participation in other events must be planned well in advance, and whose competitive career is necessarily finite."
Earlier this year, Golf Digest reported that agents representing a number of LIV stars had contacted the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to enquire about rejoining.
Hatton criticised for bunker outburst
Tyrrell Hatton had a minor meltdown on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. The Englishman, who has won the tournament three times previously, found himself nine shots adrift and began smashing his club into the sand after fluffing a shot out of a bunker on the par-three eighth hole.
Golf fans were less than impressed and slammed the star on social media. One said: "What’s new there? When are the powers that be going to get a hold of these modern-day golfers? The general erosion of standards and etiquette on the course is ridiculous. Been getting worse over recent years."
Another added: "Also another player’s ball in the bunker yet to play. Club golfers don’t act like this." A third commented: "That is not cool, not on a golf course! They gotta start fining these guys, this is awful for the game."
