The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship marks a pivotal moment in the professional golf calendar. No longer just a season-opener, this prestigious Rolex Series event is now a high-stakes climax to the season. Scheduled for November 6-9, 2025, the tournament is the first of two events in the DP World Tour Play-Offs, setting the stage for a dramatic finale to the Race to Dubai.
With a massive prize fund, a star-studded field, and a final chance for players to secure their spot in the season-ending championship, this is an event no golf fan will want to miss.
Here is your complete guide to watching and following the action from anywhere in the world.
Quick Watch Guide: Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 2025
| Event | 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship |
| Dates | November 6-9, 2025 |
| Venue | Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| How to Watch (At Home) | See the global broadcast table below (e.g., Golf Channel, Sky Sports) |
| How to Watch (Traveling) | Use a VPN to connect to your home country’s server and stream your usual service. |
How to Watch the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Live
Live coverage will be broadcast globally, but due to the time difference in Abu Dhabi (Gulf Standard Time), viewers in the UK, Europe, and North America should prepare for early morning viewing. For example, live coverage in the US will begin around 2:00 AM (ET), and in the UK around 4:00 AM (GMT).
Find your local broadcast partner in the tables below.
1. North America (USA & Canada)
| Country | Primary Broadcaster | Streaming Platform(s) |
| USA | Golf Channel | Peacock, NBC Sports App, DAZN |
| Canada | Golf Channel | TSN+ (supplemental feeds) |
2. In the UK & Ireland
| Country | Primary Broadcaster | Streaming Platform(s) |
| UK & Ireland | Sky Sports (Sky Sports Golf) | Sky Go, NOW |
3. Australia & New Zealand
| Country | Primary Broadcaster | Streaming Platform(s) |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Kayo Sports |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport | Sky Go (NZ) |
4. Europe (Select Countries)
| Country | Broadcaster |
| Germany, Austria, Italy | Sky Sports |
| Scandinavia (SWE, NOR, DEN, FIN) | Viasat Golf (via Viaplay) |
| Spain | Movistar Golf |
| France | Golf+ |
| Netherlands | Ziggo Sport Golf |
| Poland | Polsat Sport Extra |
| Portugal | Sport TV |
5. Asia (Select Countries)
| Country | Broadcaster / Streamer |
| Japan | U-NEXT |
| India | Sony Sports Ten 2 (TV), FanCode (Streaming) |
| South Korea | SpoTV Golf & Health, SBS |
| China | Hainan TV |
| Hong Kong | PCCW / Now Golf |
| Malaysia | Astrosport |
| Singapore | Hub Sports |
6. Africa & the Middle East
| Country | Broadcaster / Streamer |
| South Africa | SuperSport (SuperSport Golf) |
| Pan-Middle East & North Africa | GolfLife |
Don’t Miss a Shot: How to Watch From Anywhere with a VPN
For golf fans who are traveling, a common frustration is discovering that your home streaming subscription like Sky Go, Peacock, or Kayo is “geo-blocked” and unavailable abroad.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best solution. A VPN masks your location, allowing you to connect to a server in your home country. This makes your streaming service work just like it does when you’re on your couch.
How to Use a VPN to Watch the Golf:
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN. For live sports, you need one with fast speeds and servers in your home country.
- Download and install the app on your computer, phone, or tablet.
- Connect to a server in your home country. (e.g., select a UK server to watch Sky Go, or a US server to watch Peacock).
- Log in to your streaming service and watch the tournament live.
VPNs We Recommend for Sports Streaming
Based on our 2025 streaming tests, these providers offer the best combination of speed and unblocking power for sports:
- NordVPN: Often rated the best overall for streaming. It’s known for exceptionally fast speeds and reliably unblocks major platforms like Sky Go and Peacock.
- Surfshark: A fantastic budget-friendly choice that offers unlimited device connections—ideal if you want to share with family. It’s user-friendly and very effective for unblocking.
- ExpressVPN: A premium provider with a well-deserved reputation for high speeds and reliable streaming, especially with its wide range of US-based servers.
| 3 Best VPN for watch Golf | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 73% off + 4 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
Attending the Championship in Person? Where to Stay
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to Abu Dhabi for the event, you’ll be heading to Yas Links on the spectacular Yas Island. The island is a hub for entertainment, dining, and luxury hotels, all just minutes from the course.
We recommend booking accommodations early, as prices will rise. Here are our top 5 hotel picks on Yas Island, perfect for a golf getaway.
- W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island: The iconic, 5-star hotel built over the F1 Grand Prix circuit. It’s the pinnacle of luxury, with incredible marina views, two rooftop pools, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
- Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island: A 5-star family-friendly favorite located on the vibrant Yas Bay waterfront. It offers a premium experience, its own beach club, and fantastic reviews.
- The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton: A truly unique 5-star hotel and the world’s first Warner Bros. themed hotel. It’s right opposite the Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi theme park and offers an exceptional, fun-filled luxury stay very close to the course.
- Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island: A highly-rated 4-star option that offers excellent value. It features a large pool, multiple restaurants, and is just a short drive from Yas Links.
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island: This popular hotel offers beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf and the golf course. It’s a reliable and comfortable choice with great amenities, including a spa and tennis courts.
You can check prices and availability for these and other properties on Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor through our site. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Tournament Deep Dive: The Field, The Stakes, and The Venue
The $9 Million Stakes & The Race to Dubai
The new November date makes this one of the most important events of the year. It’s the first of the two-event DP World Tour Play-Offs.
The field begins the week with the top 70 available players from the Race to Dubai (R2D) rankings. The drama is simple and brutal: after the final putt drops on Sunday, only the top 50 available players will advance to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
For players on the bubble, this tournament is their last chance. For the leaders, it’s a battle for a massive $9,000,000 prize fund. The winner will take home a cheque for $1,530,000 and a huge number of R2D points.
Prize Money & Points Breakdown (Top 10)
| Position | Prize Money (USD) | Race to Dubai Points |
| 1 | $1,530,000 | 1500.00 |
| 2 | $990,000 | 1000.00 |
| 3 | $567,000 | 565.00 |
| 4 | $450,000 | 450.00 |
| 5 | $381,600 | 381.00 |
| 6 | $315,000 | 315.10 |
| 7 | $270,000 | 270.00 |
| 8 | $225,000 | 225.00 |
| 9 | $201,600 | 200.70 |
| 10 | $180,000 | 180.00 |
The Elite Field: The Stars, Storylines, and Absences
The field is packed with 13 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking.
- The Headliners: The field is led by 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who also leads the Race to Dubai rankings as he chases a seventh Order of Merit crown. He’s joined by Tommy Fleetwood, a two-time winner of this event and the 2025 FedExCup champion. Tyrrell Hatton, the 2019 champion and 2025 Dubai Desert Classic winner, also returns after finishing runner-up here last year.
- Key Storyline: Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Aberg and Shane Lowry are in the field only because of a special exemption for 2025 European Ryder Cup team members. Aberg, for instance, finished 80th in the R2D rankings, so this exemption was critical to get him (and his star power) into the Play-Offs.
- Notable Absences: In a strange twist, the defending 2024 champion, Paul Waring, failed to finish in the top 70 and thus did not qualify to defend his title. Additionally, Ryder Cup member Sepp Straka has withdrawn from both Play-Off events to return to the US and care for his newborn son.
Key Players to Watch
| Category | Player | Why Watch |
| The Favorites | Rory McIlroy (NIR) | R2D leader seeking a 7th Order of Merit crown and an elusive first Abu Dhabi win. |
| Marco Penge (ENG) | 2nd in R2D, he is the only player who can realistically catch McIlroy for the season-long title. | |
| Past Champions | Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) | Two-time event winner and 2025 FedExCup champion, arriving in superb form. |
| Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) | 2019 champion and 2025 Dubai winner; finished runner-up at this course last year. | |
| The Exemptions | Ludvig Aberg (SWE) | In the field only via his 2025 Ryder Cup status (finished 80th in R2D). |
| On the Bubble | Brandon Robinson Thompson (ENG) | Starts the week in the precarious 50th spot, fighting to advance to the finale in Dubai. |
The Venue: Yas Links
This is the fourth consecutive year the championship will be held at the stunning Yas Links on Yas Island. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the Par 72 course stretches 7,425 yards along the Arabian Gulf, offering a spectacular and challenging links-style test for the world’s best.
Follow the Action: Live Scores and Social Media
If you can’t watch the live broadcast, the best way to follow the tournament is through the official DP World Tour website and app or Golf Channel, which provide:
- Live Leaderboard
- Official Tee Times
- Hole-by-Hole Statistics
- Player Locator
The tour also offers a free live stream of Feature Group coverage on its website (note: this may be geo-restricted in some regions).
For the fastest video highlights and behind-the-scenes content, follow the DP World Tour’s official social media channels:
- X (Twitter): @DPWorldTour
- Instagram: @dpworldtour
- YouTube: DP World Tour
FAQ
How can I watch the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship online
Use an official broadcaster like Sky Sports or Peacock. If you are abroad, connect through a VPN and stream as usual.
Can I watch the tournament for free
Some regions offer free highlights, but the live broadcast usually requires a subscription or TV package.
What time does the live coverage start
Coverage begins early morning in Europe and North America because the event is in the UAE.
Does a VPN really work for live sports
Yes. It lets you access your usual streaming services when you are abroad by connecting through your home country.
Which VPN works best for this event
NordVPN is the most reliable for sports. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also great options for fast and stable streaming.
