Rory McIlroy will return to Yas Links to compete in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the penultimate test of the year on the DP World Tour which takes place from November 7 to 10, 2024. The goal is clear, the Northern Irishman wants to win the Race to Dubai for the sixth time and thus equal Severiano Ballesteros.
Rory fights for history and to remove the thorn in a tournament in which he has historically played very well, but in which he has not managed to secure a victory. Four second places support him, obtained at the previous venue of the tournament, Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The tournament had been held in recent years in the month of January, but with the new season format it has been moved to the month of November as it is the first of the two playoffs that close the course. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will be the first of the two DP World Tour Play-offs, a new series of two events that also incorporates the DP World Tour Championship, and where as we say the champion of the Race to Dubai will be crowned. The 70 best players available at the conclusion of the “Back 9” tour will meet in Abu Dhabi to put the penultimate touch to the season.
The current leader of the ranking has already confirmed his attendance since he already has his place secured in the penultimate test of the Race to Dubai 2024 thanks to his victory in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the first test of the Rolex Series of the season, his second place in the Dubai Invitational and his good performances in the first three Majors of the season.
The four-time Major champion aspires to equal Seve Ballesteros’ six Harry Vardon Trophies, just two from Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight titles. At the US Open, the Northern Irishman already made it clear that he is going to fight to be the best European in history. Every notch is important and with a victory in this year’s Race, he would be, in this section, at the height of the best Severiano.
“It’s no secret that I love playing golf in the Middle East and having the opportunity to compete in these two consecutive events will be a great way to end the season,” said Rory McIlroy. “I would love to lift the trophy in Abu Dhabi and have the opportunity to win the Race to Dubai again,” concluded the Northern Irishman.
