If you’re an insatiable golf lover like me, you may be looking for an outlet to bridge the gap between now and the start of the FedEx Cup season in January 2025. Fortunately, as I discuss on the Linksworms podcast, the PGA Tour isn’t the only way to play professional golf.
While the DP World Tour may not be as well-known or as popular in the United States, it hosts some of the most exciting tournaments at legendary venues every September through November. Some of these events will feature many of the best players in the world and offer great cash prizes. In addition, Ryder Cup qualifying points are up for grabs at these tournaments, as the race to qualify for Bethpage Black in 2025 is officially underway. Let's look forward to some of the most exciting events on the DP World Tour this fall.
Amgen Irish Open – Royal County Down, County Down, Northern Ireland – September 12-15
The Amgen Irish Open returns to Royal County Down, here’s all you need to know to make this national championship a priority. Ranked #3 in the world’s top 100 golf courses, Golf Digest These epic golf courses are some of the most iconic in existence in the world. Set between the Irish Sea and Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, it’s hard to find a more perfect golf course. Add in the fact that Rory McIlroy will be teeing off in his home country, and the Irish Open is must-see television.
BMW PGA Championship – Wentworth Club, Surrey, England – September 19-22
The BMW PGA Championship is one of the Rolex Series events, which means that the prize money is higher than usual ($9 million) and the Race to Dubai points are higher (8,000). The Ryder Cup points are also higher, from the usual 1,500 to 2,000. Therefore, the field of players in this tournament includes Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and many other elite players. Last year, New Zealander Ryan Fox defeated well-known players such as McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Ludwig Aberg. With such an excellent leaderboard, this event is definitely worth watching.
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – St Andrews (Old Course) + Carnoustie + Kingsbank Golf Links, Scotland – October 3-6
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship showcases incredible golf courses. Scottish gems Carnoustie and Kingsbarns are excellent additional hosts, while the Old Course at St. Andrews always creates a magical atmosphere. Matt Fitzpatrick will attempt to win the championship for the second consecutive season when the DP World Tour returns to the home of golf this October.
Abu Dhabi HSBC Champions – Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 7-10
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is another Rolex Series event and is currently the first of two DP World Tour playoff events; therefore, it carries a whopping 9,000 Race to Dubai points. The top 70 players in the Race to Dubai ranking qualify for this event, so the field is very strong. Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose are all expected to take part, along with many other big names. What's more, the tournament is held at Yas Links, an exciting Kyle Phillips-designed course that is perfect for hosting an exciting golf tournament.
DP World Tour Championship – Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth Course), Dubai, UAE – November 14-17
The DP World Tour Championship is the second and final tournament of the playoffs and the pinnacle of the Race to Dubai. The prize money for this event will rise to $10 million, with up to 12,000 Race to Dubai points up for grabs. The top 50 players in the Race to Dubai standings after the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will advance to this tournament. The winner of the Race to Dubai is the player with the most Race to Dubai points – not necessarily the winner of the DP World Tour Championship (similar to how the FedEx Cup was determined before the start line was implemented at the Tour Championship). Rory McIlroy will attempt to win this event for the second consecutive season to tie Seve Ballesteros for second all-time with six Harry Vardon Trophies.
