Tommy Fleetwood calls it his “happy place.” The Englishman has lifted the Falcon Trophy twice at Yas Links. Every time he returns to Abu Dhabi, his track record speaks for itself. It’s not just Fleetwood who has a special relationship with this tournament. Several of the world’s best have written their own stories in the desert, and they’re all coming back for more.

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship field features five players who collectively tell the story of modern golf excellence. From Rory McIlroy‘s Masters triumph to Tommy Fleetwood’s FedEx Cup glory, from Tyrrell Hatton’s Middle East mastery to Alex Noren’s resurgence and Matt Fitzpatrick’s U.S. Open pedigree: this quintet represents the cream of the crop heading to the desert.

The championship runs from November 6-9 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi with a massive $9 million purse on the line. The winner banks $1.53 million. The field features the top-70 Race to Dubai players competing in the first DP World Tour playoff event. Here’s why these five names deserve your attention as the tournament kicks off.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy arrives in Abu Dhabi riding the highest of highs. The Northern Irishman finally captured his elusive Masters title in 2025. He defeated Justin Rose in a playoff after both finished at 11-under 277. That victory completed his career Grand Slam, making him just the sixth golfer to win all four majors.

But McIlroy didn’t stop there. He added the Amgen Irish Open on home soil, delivering another statement performance. Currently, he leads the Race to Dubai with 4,133 points. His consistency throughout 2025 has been remarkable, including a T4 finish at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January.

Here’s the interesting twist, though. Despite 16 appearances at this event, McIlroy has never won. He’s finished runner-up four times, including in 2012 to Robert Rock and most recently in 2024 to Paul Waring. The World No. 2 has unfinished business at Yas Links. His recent form suggests he’s primed to finally break through.

Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood enters as the man to beat. The two-time Abu Dhabi champion (2017, 2018) knows exactly how to win at Yas Links. Moreover, his 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. He captured his first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship in August, pocketing $10 million in the process.

“Abu Dhabi is always a special place for me to play,” Fleetwood said after confirming his 2025 appearance.

The Englishman followed that up with a win at the DP World India Championship in October. He closed with a 65 to seal the deal. Beyond those victories, he also claimed the Dubai Invitational earlier in the year. Three wins in 2025 speak volumes about his current form.

Fleetwood’s comfort level at Yas Links gives him a psychological edge. He’s hunting for a third Abu Dhabi title, which would cement his status as one of the event’s most successful players in the modern era.

Alex Noren

Noren’s 2025 represents a remarkable career resurgence. The Swede ended a seven-year DP World Tour winless drought spectacularly. First, he captured the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry in August. Then, he outdid himself by winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in September via a playoff.

“It’s been a long road back, but these wins prove I still belong at this level,” Noren reflected after his BMW PGA victory.

Those two victories catapulted Noren back into golf’s elite conversation. He also earned the role of Ryder Cup Vice Captain in 2025. His leadership qualities shine through alongside his on-course performances. At Yas Links, Noren has been a consistent performer throughout his career. His recent form suggests he’s peaking at exactly the right time heading into the playoffs.

Tyrrell Hatton

Hatton owns this stretch of the Middle East swing. The fiery Englishman won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, posting a 15-under total. That marked his fifth Rolex Series victory. He also finished T4 at the U.S. Open in June, proving his major championship credentials remain intact.

Here’s what separates Hatton from the pack. He won the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Returning as a former champion gives him invaluable course knowledge. He knows what it takes to close the deal at Yas Links when the pressure mounts.

“Winning in Dubai earlier this year gives me so much confidence coming back to the Middle East,” Hatton stated in January.

Hatton’s aggressive style suits the links-style layout perfectly. The rolling dunes and coastal breezes don’t intimidate him. Instead, they bring out his best golf. His familiarity with Gulf conditions makes him a dangerous contender.

Matt Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick brings a major championship pedigree as the 2022 U.S. Open winner. While he hasn’t won in 2025, his consistency tells a different story. He finished T4 at The Open Championship and Scottish Open. He added a T6 at the British Masters and a T5 at the BMW PGA Championship. A fifth-place finish at the Omega European Masters rounds out an impressive year.

The Englishman has earned over $4 million in 2025. His ball-striking remains elite, which is crucial on Yas Links’ demanding layout. In Abu Dhabi, Fitzpatrick typically makes the cut and finishes in the upper portions of the leaderboard. He hasn’t won at Yas Links yet, but his track record suggests he’s always lurking.

The championship kicks off with all five stars primed for battle. McIlroy chases his first Abu Dhabi title. Fleetwood hunts for number three. Noren rides his resurgent wave. Hatton defends past glory. Fitzpatrick seeks his breakthrough at Yas Links. Who’s your pick to claim the Falcon Trophy? Let us know in the comments below!