Rahm wins Abu Dhabi Championship on European-tour return

Jon Rahm won the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, November 8, finishing two strokes ahead of Tyrrell Hatton after a final-round 67. The 23-under-par total of 265 gave Rahm his first European-tour title in four years and a winning return to the tour after leaving LIV Golf, the reports said.

Rahm began the final round one shot ahead of Hatton and Francesco Laporta, with Rory McIlroy another stroke back. He briefly lost the lead after McIlroy opened with a birdie and an eagle, then regained it. Rahm, Hatton, McIlroy and Laporta were tied at 20 under during the back nine before Rahm pulled clear with birdies at the 12th and 15th. He made par at the 18th to secure the win.

Hatton shot 68 and finished second. McIlroy carded 69, four shots behind Rahm, while Laporta finished fourth after a triple-bogey at the 13th. Rahm’s victory came at Yas Links in the first of two season-ending playoff events in the United Arab Emirates.

Rahm said time away from competition, rest and being with his family helped make the return meaningful. He also referred to poor play and mental challenges. The reports said the event was his first on the European tour since departing LIV Golf. One report said his...