Benj aims to close the gap with McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Benj aims to close the gap with McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

  Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: Days before the start of the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at Yas Links, English star Marco Bing has captured attention with his arrival in the capital. He is eager to begin his campaign in the tournament, aiming to continue his historic season, which has seen him secure three DP World Tour victories – more than any other player this year. Golf fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown between Bing and Masters champion Rory McIlroy as they compete for the Race to Dubai title, with the first DP World Tour Finals taking place this week in Abu Dhabi.
The English player has had an exceptional season that has been a turning point in his professional career, as he currently occupies second place in the Race to Dubai rankings behind the Masters champion, which portends fierce competition in the opening rounds of the DP World Tour Finals.
This season has been an exceptional turning point in Bing’s career, after he finished his first season in 2024 ranked 110th in the Race to Dubai, narrowly missing out on a professional card. However, he dramatically salvaged his season with a birdie on the 18th hole in the second round of the 2024 Genesis Championship, the final tournament of the regular season, before returning this year to write a new chapter in his career by winning three major titles.
“I have always believed in myself and known my potential,” said Peng, who is making his debut in the penultimate Rolex Series tournament. “My career may not look consistent, but I have progressed steadily. I played on the Euro Pro Tour, then got a Challenge Tour card, but the Covid crisis disrupted plans for a whole year, and then I was sidelined for a year due to injury. It may seem like I came out of nowhere, but with every tour I participate in, I start to shine in the second year.”
He added: “I still find it hard to believe what I have achieved, not because I doubt myself, but because of the speed at which the accomplishments have been achieved.”
Peng secured his three titles this season at the Hainan Classic in April, the Denmark Golf Championship in August, and the Open de España presented by Madrid last month, where he defeated fellow countryman Dan Brown in a playoff to secure his participation in the 2026 Masters and the 154th British Open.
His dual PGA Tour membership is now within reach, as he seeks to cap his historic season by defeating McIlroy and claiming his first Race to Dubai title. With only 441.32 points separating the two players, and with 9,000 points up for grabs this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and an additional 12,000 points at the season-ending Dubai Championships, the title race appears wide open, promising a thrilling conclusion to an exceptional season.
Speaking about his first match against McIlroy, Bing said: “I know I’m going to be very excited when I start the tour on Thursday morning. It’s the first time I’ve played alongside one of the best players in the world. I won’t be nervous; the adrenaline will be my motivation, just like it was in the Spanish Open playoffs. I’ve mentally prepared for this moment, and I know how I’ll feel—that I play my best when I’m in this state. There’s nothing to worry about; all I want to do is enjoy the experience, the moment, and the opportunity to play with the world’s elite.”
Entry is free for the first two days of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, while tickets for the final two days start from just AED 100. Golf enthusiasts can also upgrade their experience with the “Bar on Nine” package within the highly popular “Ticket Plus” ticket category, which was launched in 2024. A limited number of promotional tickets for this exclusive experience are available, starting from just AED 230, and include a AED 100 food and beverage voucher.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship offers a luxurious five-star hospitality experience at its Championship Chalet overlooking the 18th hole, where guests can enjoy an ideal location with the best views of the game. The air-conditioned chalet provides exclusive access to a shaded terrace with a stunning panoramic view of the final hole, with prices starting from AED 1,680.
For more details and to view all ticket options for the Abu Dhabi HSBC 2025 tournament, please click here

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