The 2025 DP World Tour Play-Offs in the UAE not only showcased top-level golf but also left a significant legacy for aspiring players and local communities. Through events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship, a greater understanding and appreciation of the sport were nurtured among younger generations.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship offered a unique opportunity for 15 BTEC Sport Level 3 students from the British International School Abu Dhabi to gain practical experience through the Careers in Golf initiative. These students participated in behind-the-scenes tours and workshops, learning directly from DP World Tour staff.
In another engagement effort, the Future Falcons Zone, launched by the Emirates Golf Federation and supported by local organizations, provided a competitive space for junior players. From a substantial pool of 1,757 entries, 78 finalists showcased their skills during the championship weekend, highlighting the enthusiasm for golf among the youth.
Over the course of the two tournaments, approximately 2,600 students from 52 local schools experienced the thrill of world-class golf. Events such as the Golf Futures programme allowed local schoolchildren, including those from GEMS FirstPoint and Safa Community School, to explore potential careers in the golf industry.
The season finale also collaborated with Heroes of Hope, a UAE non-profit sports academy supporting people of determination. Twelve young athletes participated in an eight-week golf lesson series at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, culminating in a session with DP World Tour winner Richard Mansell. Three of these athletes, Noah Evans, Thomas O’Brien, and Marwan Al Khaja, worked with local artist Rabab Tantawy to create a vibrant artwork displayed prominently at the Earth Lounge, emphasizing the union of sports, art, and inclusion.
The focus on women’s involvement in golf was notably amplified during the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Various clinics offered by British Mums Dubai, Chicks with Sticks, The Birdie Club, and Revive Pilates introduced many women to the sport for the first time. Concurrently, the R&A Golf in the Community Forum gathered regional stakeholders to cover essential topics such as women’s participation, community engagement, and the health benefits of golf.
Spectator engagement reached new heights at both events, with impressive attendance figures. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship attracted 80,041 fans, who witnessed Aaron Rai’s victory, while Matt Fitzpatrick’s win at the DP World Tour Championship brought in 82,940 spectators, making it a record-equalling third title for him.
On the digital front, engagement surged with an 11% increase in social media impressions for the DP World Tour Championship compared to the previous year. Additionally, page views on dpworldtour.com and the mobile app rose by 14%, underlining the growing interest in these flagship events.
Sustainability remained a key focus throughout the championships. The DP World Tour Championship featured the Earth Lounge, designed to be entirely powered by solar panels and hydrogen generators, achieving a complete CO₂ emissions reduction. Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship implemented solar panels at essential facilities, introduced energy-saving battery systems achieving a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, and prevented over 145,000 single-use plastic bottles from entering waste streams.
Reflecting on the impact of the Play-Offs, Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East for the DP World Tour, stated that the events encapsulated the organization’s goals of delivering world-class golf while fostering significant engagement and contributing to sustainability and community initiatives. He expressed pride in the progress made, especially through Green Drive initiatives, and the success of the educational programs that reached thousands of young people. Looking ahead to 2026, Phillips expressed excitement over welcoming fans back to both championships.