Bizarrely, World No. 1 Rory McIlroy is headed for at least six days in the chilly surrounds of a Dublin High Court room just two days after enjoying the warmth and support of competing in next month’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Organisers of the Dubai event indicated McIlroy will tee-up where in 1999 he claimed the first of now 16 pro career wins including success in four Majors.
It was also in the 2007 Desert Classic where the then 17-year old McIlroy played all four rounds for a first occasion in a European Tour event.
“I’ve got great memories of Dubai and it will be fun to get back to a golf course where I have enjoyed success over the years,” he said.
“It was nice to get my first professional win in Dubai.
Rory McIlroy and Conor Ridge in happier times – attending a function at the White House.
“I had my parents there with me and it was a special moment that I will never forget. That win was a real stepping stone for the success that followed and my relationship with Dubai went from strength to strength,” said McIlroy, a four-time major winner.
“To think the tournament is older than I am is testimony to its strength but then I will be looking to win the event again.”
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, commented: “We have seen Rory first compete as an amateur in 2006 and now we will see him contest as the world number one for the first time. His incredible journey has left indelible footprints in the tournament’s history.
“As his name has become synonymous with the golfing landscape of Dubai, I am confident his presence will radiate distinct energy to the tournament, one that will rub off well on fans. I wish him the very best and hope that the future brings him more success.”
Bizarrely, two days after this year’s event McIlroy will swap his Nike logo adorned attire for a suit and tie in wintery Dublin.
And unless there’s a settlement of the dispute brought by his former manager, and that seems highly unlikely, McIlroy is staring at least six days inside a Dublin court room.
McIlroy has spent the past week in Dubai working on his game ahead of taking the one hour’s drive south to Abu Dhabi and the UAE capital for this week’s 10th anniversary Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
“The swing feels good and can’t wait to get the season started in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
This one positive remark is already in stark contrast to two years ago when McIlroy missed the cut in the 2013 event posting a pair of 75s.
McIlroy will also be wanting to make amends for an rules incident a year ago that saw him shoot the least amount of strokes in the 2014 tournament but ending up sharing second in being slapped with a two shot penalty resulting from an incorrect drop from a spectator cross walk on day three of the tournament.
It will be the start also of McIlroy’s eighth full season on the European Tour.
