The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 2025 went into a playoff as Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai finished at a tournament record 25-under total. Rory McIlroy narrowly missed out on the playoff, ending one shot behind the leaders at Yas Links Golf Course.
Fleetwood and Rai, who have previously competed in a DP World Tour playoff, were set to face off once again. McIlroy graciously acknowledged the duo’s performances and exchanged congratulations with them.
In a previous encounter at the 2020 Scottish Open, Rai outperformed Fleetwood in a playoff, securing victory. McIlroy expressed feeling the pressure before exiting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, mentioning his struggle to maintain patience as Rai led the competition.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy admitted, “It seems like the last seven holes haven’t really given me much this week.” Despite feeling that he played well, he acknowledged falling behind Rai and Nico due to missed opportunities.
Rai and Fleetwood embraced the challenge of competing against a golfing icon. The world number 30, who won the Wyndham Championship in the previous year, emphasized the significance of the event and the tough competition ahead.
Fleetwood highlighted the importance of patience during the tournament, commending Rai’s exceptional performance. Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering extensive coverage of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League.