Rory McIlroy Can Finally Add The Missing Piece To His Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Record This Week
Rory McIlroy’s track record in Abu Dhabi has been remarkably consistent, yet one achievement continues to elude him. As the year concludes on a high note, the five-time Major champion still has a few goals to accomplish.
The Northern Irish golfer seeks a seventh Race To Dubai crown, which would bring him within one title of Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record. However, before that, McIlroy is determined to capture a victory that has slipped from his grasp since turning professional.
Across 11 appearances at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy has never claimed the title. He has finished second four times and placed third—either solo or tied—on five other occasions. The former World No. 1 narrowly missed victory by a single stroke in 2012, 2014, and 2015, losing to Robert Rock, Pablo Larrazabal, and Gary Stal respectively.
“Stal's victory in 2015 was arguably the biggest shock for McIlroy and company as the Frenchman surged from eight strokes behind leader Martin Kaymer after 54 holes to seize an unexpected win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.”
McIlroy now hopes this week will finally deliver the missing piece to his exceptional record in the UAE.
Author’s Summary
McIlroy, despite stellar consistency in Abu Dhabi, has never secured the elusive title he now aims to add to his already distinguished career.