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Golf · PGA Tour · published 2026-10-12T00:00:00+00:00 · via Golf Today

Rai to Defend Abu Dhabi Crown at Yas Links as Major Winner

Aaron Rai will return to Yas Links from November 5-8 to defend his Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship title. He won the event last November in a playoff against Tommy Fleetwood and has since claimed the PGA Championship at Aronimink. Rai is fifth in the Race to Dubai as the DP World Tour Play-Offs begin.

Expanded Detail

Rai led overnight before a closing 67 left him at 25 under. Fleetwood's 66 featured an eagle at the second, forcing a playoff; Rai birdied the first extra hole and Fleetwood parred. The event was then the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and the win was Rai's second Rolex Series title after the 2020 Scottish Open.

At Aronimink, Rai began the final round two behind Alex Smalley and shot 65 to win by three over Smalley and Jon Rahm. His other majors were 48th at the Masters, tied 11th at the US Open and tied 79th at The Open, securing the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award.

Context

The tournament may draw more local and international spectators to Yas

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
Read the full article at Golf Today →
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Aaron Rai Returns to Yas Links as Major Champion for Abu Dhabi Title Defence.” Browse more stories.