10 Major Golf Stars Withdraw from 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is set to take place at Yas Links, featuring a mix of top-tier talent from the golfing world. However, several prominent players will be absent, as they focus on other commitments or recover from injuries.
Key Players in Attendance
Among the confirmed participants are notable names such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry. These players are recognized for their achievements in major tournaments and their contributions to the Ryder Cup. Their presence adds significant excitement to the event, which will see 76 players competing for the championship title and valuable Race to Dubai ranking points.
Notable Absences
Despite the star-studded lineup, several high-profile golfers will not be participating in this year’s championship. Paul Waring, the defending champion, is unable to compete due to ongoing injury issues. Last year, Waring secured the title with a remarkable performance, including a course record of 61 in the second round, finishing at 24-under-par.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner, has confirmed he will not be participating in the Abu Dhabi event. Following his home tournament, the Open de España, Rahm announced he would not return to competitive play until February 2026. This decision comes after a challenging year, where he did not secure any wins on the DP World Tour.
Joaquin Niemann
Joaquin Niemann, who had a standout season in the LIV Golf League with five victories, will also miss the Abu Dhabi Championship. Despite his success, he finished T23 in the previous year’s tournament and has opted to focus on other events this season.
Justin Rose
Justin Rose, who played a crucial role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, has not participated in competitive golf since that event. He finished 68th in last year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and has confirmed he will not be competing this year.
Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland is another notable absence. The Norwegian golfer is managing a neck injury sustained during the Ryder Cup. Although he performed well in the DP World India Championship, finishing T6, he will not be present in Abu Dhabi.
Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka has withdrawn from the championship to care for his newborn son, who was born prematurely. His absence from the DP World Tour Playoffs has led to a reduction in his tournament obligations this season due to his personal circumstances.
Adam Scott
Adam Scott, who finished 108th in the Race to Dubai Rankings, will not be competing in Abu Dhabi. He struggled throughout the season, failing to secure a top-10 finish on the DP World Tour.
Ryan Fox
Ryan Fox, the 2022 DP World Tour Player of the Year, has had a successful season on the PGA Tour but will not participate in the Abu Dhabi Championship. Despite winning two events, he could not secure a spot in the DP World Tour Playoffs.
Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, will also be absent. The Australian golfer claimed his first title on the PGA Tour but has opted not to compete in Abu Dhabi, despite a strong record in the tournament.
Adrian Meronk
Adrian Meronk, the 2023 DP World Tour Player of the Year, will miss the championship for the first time since 2020. He has struggled with form this season, missing cuts in recent events.
Paul Waring
As the defending champion, Waring’s absence is particularly notable. He described his victory last year as one of the most memorable moments of his career. His ongoing injury has prevented him from competing this season.
Other Notable Mentions
Several players have chosen to participate in the World Wide Technology Championship, which occurs concurrently with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Matt Wallace and Thorbjorn Olesen are among those aiming to secure their PGA Tour cards for the upcoming season.
Thomas Detry, who won the WM Phoenix Open earlier this year, will also be absent from Abu Dhabi. Despite a solid performance in the Genesis Championship, he finished 113th in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
As reported by www.golfmonthly.com.
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Published on 2025-11-03 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk