Waring savours team golf return ahead of Ryder Cup push

Dubai-based star Paul Waring finds himself in unfamiliar territory this week at the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi, but there’s nowhere he’d rather be.

The Englishman, who has called Dubai home since 2023, earned his place in the Ryder Cup warm-up event at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort with a fifth-place finish in last season’s Race to Dubai Rankings — the best of his career.

Waring’s standout season was largely defined by his triumph at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The 39-year-old held his nerve to secure the prestigious Rolex Series title at Yas Links, holding off the likes of Rory McIlory and Tyrrell Hatton, marking just his second victory on the DP World Tour.

That win propelled Waring into uncharted waters, making him a genuine contender for Luke Donald’s European Ryder Cup team.

Currently fifth in the qualification race for one of six automatic spots, Waring has the perfect stage to showcase his potential when he tees off at the Team Cup on Friday, which will be his first team outing since his amateur days.

“I used to love playing amateur team golf,” Waring told Gulf News.

“I captained England and GB&I boys’ team in the Jacques Léglise Trophy. I took it all on board, loved the concept of it and loved being part of a team.

“The fact I haven’t done that for 17-18 years now, I think, I’m kind of taking this week for what it is, enjoying it, being around the lads and really starting to pull for each other as well. There’s a lot of team bonding going on, which is really nice to experience again.”

Waring’s impressive finish in last season’s Race to Dubai not only secured him a career-best fifth place but also earned him a PGA Tour card for the first time.

This sets the stage for a season unlike any he has experienced, as he prepares to balance competing on the American circuit with his commitments to the DP World Tour, where he has been a mainstay since turning professional in 2007.

It’s a challenge Waring welcomes, and one he’s ready to embrace as he sets his sights on achieving his ultimate goal for the season.

“The Ryder Cup is the goal for 2025,” he says.

“It’s not a longshot, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work to achieve that goal.

Because I did so well towards the end of last year, it’s put me in great stead to continue and keep playing well into the start of this season.

“I know it’s still going to take a couple more wins, so I know if I make that team, I’ve had a great season again, I’m in a great place mentally and I know what sort of player I need to be to make that team and go from there really.”

With starts at the Dubai Desert Classic and Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the horizon before heading stateside to chase the American dream until the Scottish Open, Waring knows that another victory on home soil could be pivotal in securing a Ryder Cup debut at the age of 40.

Before that, his focus is solely on the Team Cup, as he looks to use the opportunity to demonstrate to Donald - who is once again overseeing proceedings in the capital - exactly what he can contribute to the team.