The Northern Irishman can potentially match an all-time European golf record this weekend
For Rory McIlroy, the UAE has always been more than just a place to compete; it’s a second home.
McIlroy first visited the UAE as a 16-year-old amateur in the Desert Classic, a pivotal experience that sparked a relationship with the region that would endure throughout his professional career.
“It just is a very familiar and comfortable place for me,” McIlroy reflects, noting that his familiarity with the courses here has undoubtedly helped him perform consistently well.
He’s excited to return for this year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, aiming not only to support one of the strongest events on the European Tour but to give himself another shot at victory.
This trip holds a unique meaning for McIlroy as he eyes a possible second-place finish in the tour’s rankings, potentially matching an all-time European golf record.
“It’s pretty cool to think about that,” he says, the possibility of joining European golf legends clearly motivating him.
“I take pride in being a European player,” he adds, drawing inspiration from icons like Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, who defined an era of European golf excellence in the 1990s.
“I want to continue that legacy and maybe even become the most successful European of all time.”
McIlroy also takes pride in his relationship with prominent figures and institutions in the UAE, including long-time supporters from Dubai Duty-Free, who have made significant contributions to both UAE sports and events back in McIlroy’s homeland, Ireland.
He warmly remembers their support when he hosted the Irish Open, helping to elevate the tournament’s profile. “Their support was amazing,” McIlroy recalls, emphasising how these partnerships made a meaningful impact on his career and on the sport itself.
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Following a four-week hiatus, McIlroy feels refreshed and ready for the competitive challenges ahead. He dedicated his time off to refining his swing; a rare luxury for a player with such a packed schedule.
“I committed after the Alfred Dunhill Links that I wasn’t going to look at a golf course for three weeks,” he explains. Instead, he focused on swing adjustments, avoiding outdoor play to prevent reacting to shots. The time away has paid off, and McIlroy now feels more confident in his technique.
“It was important for me to lock myself in and get those reps in,” he shares. After a recent return to outdoor practice, he’s eager to see how these improvements will fare in competition.
As McIlroy tees up at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links, he’ll face a course in pristine condition; a stark contrast to the challenging, windy conditions he encountered here in early 2022.
“The fairways are so tight, the greens are perfect, and everything is in incredible shape,” he says, praising the meticulous upkeep of the course. The lack of strong winds means this year’s event will likely yield lower scores, making it a fresh test for him and the other players.
Beyond the tournament, McIlroy has one eye on the broader future of golf, including the legacy of European competitions.
He expresses a desire to see these events not just at the season’s end but spread throughout the year, keeping the European Tour vibrant and relevant beyond a limited window.
With high stakes and years of cherished memories in the UAE, McIlroy looks forward to rekindling his competitive fire and seizing the chance to add another chapter to his remarkable legacy in the region.
As he puts it, “Every time I come here, I feel at home, and that comfort makes it just a little easier to play great golf.”
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