Waring sees off big names in Abu Dhabi as McIlroy consolidates Race to Dubai lead

By Sports Desk November 10, 2024

Paul Waring edged out some of the DP World Tour's biggest names to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship title on Sunday.

Waring, who shot a course-record 61 in the second round, closed out with a six-under-par 66 at Yas Links to beat Tyrell Hatton by two shots, finishing on 24 under.

Rory McIlroy finished third after going round in 64. He was tied on 21 under par for the weekend along with Matt Wallace and Thorbjorn Olsen.

Waring's win marks just his second DP World Tour success, and his first title in six years.

"To keep control of myself in the way I did, I'm really proud of myself. I'm a bit taken aback right now," said Waring.

"I felt that my golf game has been in such a good place over the past year, I just haven't put it all together. What a week for it all to click together."

McIlroy's efforts on the final day, meanwhile, saw him finish a shot ahead of Thriston Lawrence, who is the Northern Irishman's closest challenger in the Race to Dubai rankings.

"I set myself a target with six holes to go and I achieved that target," said McIlroy.

"I was glad to make the four at the last and give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai."

Tommy Fleetwood rounded out with 67, meaning he finished tied for fourth on 20 under, two shots ahead of Shane Lowry, who dropped three shots across the final six holes.

The DP World Tour season wraps up in Dubai next week, with McIlroy looking well set to finish top of the standings.

Related items

  • Scheffler leads after second round of Hero World Challenge Scheffler leads after second round of Hero World Challenge

    World number one Scottie Scheffler enjoyed a two-shot lead after the second round of the Hero World Challenge as he looks to defend the title. 

    The 28-year-old American made eight birdies in a bogey-free round to finish on 13 under at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.

    Scheffler was three shots back of Cameron Young after the first round of the event that has a field of 20 players and is hosted by Tiger Woods. 

    "[I was] just trying to keep my foot down on the pedal," said Scheffler.

    "It was good. I did a lot of good things. The front nine was really nice and then the back nine I felt like I did some good things as well."

    Justin Thomas and Akshay Bhatia are joint-second on 11 under, with Keegan Bradley two shots back and sitting in fourth place.

    "I didn't feel like I had to grind on the majority of my birdie putts, a lot of them were tap-ins or whatnot," Thomas said. 

    "If I can just iron or wedge it just a little closer to the hole and get some putts to go in, I feel like I've got a really good round out there this weekend."

    Sepp Straka and Im Sung-jae are tied for fifth place after shooting 68s, while Young, who was the leader after the opening day, slipped down to share 10th place.

  • Sidney Wolf to be inducted into  Caribbean Golf Association's Hall of Fame Sidney Wolf to be inducted into Caribbean Golf Association's Hall of Fame

    The Caribbean Golf Association (CGA)has announced the induction of Sidney Wolf into the CGA Hall of Fame. The ceremony recognizing Wolf’s decades-long dedication and significant contributions to the sport of golf in the Caribbean will take place prior to the PRGA’s 70th anniversary celebration gala on December 13 at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    Sidney Wolf has been a cornerstone of Caribbean golf since his first appearance at the Hoerman Cup in Jamaica in 1989. Serving as president of the CGA intermittently since 1995 and leading the Puerto Rico Golf Association (PRGA) for nearly three decades, Wolf has played a pivotal role in promoting and developing golf throughout the region.


    Wolf's involvement with the CGA began as Vice President in 1995, supporting various presidents before stepping into the leadership role himself. Notably, in 2009, he initiated the process to establish the CGA Hall of Fame, further demonstrating his commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in Caribbean golf. His unwavering commitment has seen him attend nearly all CGA Championships and assist in conducting these events. His leadership has been instrumental in chairing and hosting numerous significant tournaments, including four Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGCs), five Caribbean Junior Golf Championships (CAJGCs) in Puerto Rico, several CGA Classics in Puerto Rico, the United States, and the Dominican Republic, as well as two Caribbean Cups.

    Beyond organizing events, Wolf has been crucial in securing attractive rates and packages, significantly reducing costs, and ensuring the CGA's financial stability. His fundraising efforts, particularly through securing raffle prizes, have bolstered the association’s financial health. Wolf has emphasized the importance of developing local talent in tournament administration and rules.

    In recognition of his extensive contributions, Wolf's induction into the CGA Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication to the sport. His achievements also include induction into the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame and the PRGA Hall of Fame. He is a respected member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and has served on the USGA Regional Affairs committee since 1996.

    Internationally, Wolf has made significant impacts as well. He chaired the World Amateur Team Championships in 2004, worked with the PGA TOUR Latin America and the PGA TOUR, and played a pivotal role in hosting the first USGA Championship outside the US mainland in 2022 and the Latin American Amateur Championship in 2023. He co-founded the Americas Golf Association and the Copa de las Americas and currently serves as Chairman of the Future Sites Committee for the International Golf Federation (IGF).

    Reflecting on his career, Wolf credits the collaborative efforts of past CGA presidents and dedicated regional leaders for the association’s success. Despite the sacrifices and long hours, Wolf's service has always been about giving back to the sport he loves. His legacy is marked by relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and a profound impact on golf in the Caribbean and beyond.

     

  • Young delighted to 'feel like himself' after Hero World Challenge opening round Young delighted to 'feel like himself' after Hero World Challenge opening round

    Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after the first round of the Hero World Challenge, which is being hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.

    The 27-year-old shot eight under par with no bogeys on Thursday, which gave him a lead over Justin Thomas, who birdied four of the last five holes.

    Young is number 38 in the world rankings and was named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, but has not yet won a PGA title.

    The American was understandably pleased with his start to the tournament.

    "It's a nice thing to come out and just feel like yourself," he said.

    "Really happy with it. I feel like with the driver I was just really comfortable and that's a huge key out here.

    "I'm sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was really well in position. Then I made a couple putts early, which was nice."

    Elsewhere, defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler is on five under through the first round, three shots back on Young.

    Scheffler is tied with Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala, Patrick Cantlay and Akshay Bhatia.

    Woods, who is the host and a 15-time major winner, was forced to miss the tournament having been originally expected to take an exemption spot – the tournament itself features 20 of the world's top players.

    While there was no official reason given for Woods' absence, a lengthy injury history has ensured a limited competition schedule in recent years.

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.