Paul Waring claimed a stunning victory at the 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, overcoming a star-studded field to secure his first win of the season. In the final round at Yas Links, the 39-year-old shot a flawless 66 to finish the tournament at 24 under, two strokes ahead of Tyrrell Hatton and three clear of Rory McIlroy.
He now sits fifth in the Race to Dubai standings, just ahead of next week’s DP World Tour Championship, where he will have an outside shot at catching McIlroy in the season-long race.
Paul Waring celebrated like there was no tomorrow
It was only his second DP World Tour title on his 332nd appearance and six years after his first at the Nordea Masters. “It’s my second win. I’ve been knocking on the door a few times. I had a few seconds. I’ve been in and around a few times,” Waring said. “To get over the line again is fantastic, and to control it the way I have as well, especially today, I thought I might have let it slip yesterday.”
More importantly, Waring’s performance has likely earned him a spot on the 2025 PGA Tour, as he now ranks third among non-exempt players. With the top 10 earning PGA Tour cards, Waring has effectively locked in his place across the Atlantic for next season.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. I still think I’ve got to play another hole or something,” an emotional Waring said. “It hasn’t quite hit me yet. I’m sure it will do later when I’m having a beer.”
Having carded an impressive 61 in the second round at the Yas Links on Yas Island on Friday, he entered the weekend already with a five-stroke lead. However, after the Saturday round, the whopping five strokes turned into a thin margin of just one stroke as he backtracked with an over-par round and his pursuers pounced at the opportunity.
That was not all for the hindrances between him and the win he grabbed. Rory McIlroy took to his heels, had an exceptional start on Sunday, and managed to bag a 4-under after the first six holes. Stalling in the middle of his round, the four-time major champion reentered the equation by carding five back-nine birdies to post a closing 64 and a tournament total of 21 under.
This was when Waring knew he had to do something. He finally finished with consecutive birdies on the last two holes, and well, the rest as you know, is history.
