Rory McIlroy Prepares for Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Rory McIlroy arrives as the clear favourite at this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, but faces an unusual challenge. He will not be the longest hitter in his group on Thursday at the DP World Tour event.
Matchup With Marco Penge
McIlroy is paired with Marco Penge, an English player who has secured three DP World Tour titles in 2025. The pairing is expected to spark a driving distance contest, a topic frequently discussed ahead of the tournament.
Driving Distance Statistics
- McIlroy’s average driving distance this season is 320.3 yards.
- Penge’s average is slightly shorter at 319.19 yards.
- Nicolai Hojgaard leads the category with an average of 321.5 yards.
Effectiveness Off the Tee
The real difference lies in the effectiveness of their drives. Penge ranks second in strokes gained off the tee with +1.06, narrowly behind leader Jon Rahm, who has played fewer events this season.
“I don’t know,” Penge said when asked on Tuesday about who will hit it longer.
Both McIlroy and Penge provide strong competition as the top two players in the Race to Dubai standings, making their first joint appearance this week.
Author's summary: Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge face off as top contenders in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, with driving distance and effectiveness a key focus of their rivalry.