McIlroy Set to Compete in HSBC Championship
This week, Rory McIlroy continues his quest for a sixth Race to Dubai title as he competes in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs and the second-last tournament of the season. As the current leader in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, McIlroy aims to join golf legends Seve Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie as one of the few to win the prestigious Harry Vardon Trophy six times.
Arriving at Yas Links with a significant points lead, McIlroy’s recent performances have been impressive. His last victory on the DP World Tour was at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January, where he defended his title successfully. Notably, his last three victories have all been in Rolex Series events, including this year’s Genesis Scottish Open.
Challenging McIlroy for the top spot is South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, who trails by 1,572.39 points. Lawrence, who has achieved five runner-up finishes this season, must stay within 2000 points of McIlroy by week’s end to keep his hopes alive of becoming the first South African to lead the Rankings since Ernie Els in 2004.
Read More: GOLF+ to feature Jumeirah Golf Estates in VR
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship features the top 70 available players from the Race to Dubai Rankings, with the top 50 set to advance to the DP World Tour Championship next week. The field also includes McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammates and past champions Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry. Fleetwood’s win in 2017 propelled him to a Race to Dubai victory that season, and he successfully defended his title in 2018, just before his Ryder Cup debut. Lowry’s victory in 2019 at this event was a precursor to his Major win at The 148th Open at Royal Portrush six months later.
