World No. 1 Rory McIlroy returns to competition this week seemingly unperturbed at the thought of the possibility of spending six days in a Dublin High Court witness box.

McIlroy has traveled to Abu Dhabi for the 10th anniversary Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

And while he has been slapped with two separate two-stroke penalties over his past two appearances, including one last year that cost him the event, the 25-year old is unconcerned at the thought of facing some of Ireland’s toughest lawyers fighting a multi-million Euro court case with former Horizon Sports manager, Connor Ridge.

“It’s no big deal,” McIlroy said.

“I’ll be okay at the end of the day.

“I just have to get up there and tell the truth.  I mean that’s all I need to.”

Rory McIlroy seemingly without a care in the world despite heading for a Dublin High Court showdown early next month.  Joining McIlroy is making a splash is Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson. (Photo – HSBC)

But then McIlroy confirmed earlier this week he will tee-up in the Dubai Desert Classic that ends two days before he’s due to appear in the High Court.

McIlroy has fond memories of the event having secured a first pro career title on the host Emirates course in 1999.

But from the warmth and support of Dubai he’s then staring at the uncomfortable surrounds of a chilling Dublin court room.

However as McIlroy also focuses on April’s Masters, and his quest to become only the sixth player in the history of the game to hold all four Majors, he’s not bothered by any legal distraction in the Irish capital.

“No, it’s not a distraction at all,” he said.

“I’ve literally not thought about it since whenever I last to talk to someone about it.  I just go with what the lawyers say and they tell me to just sit tight and not talk too much about and that’s it.

“It’s no big deal.  I’ll be okay at the end of the day.”