Grand Slam winning Rory McIlroy, and proudly wearing his Augusta National members green jacket visited the Dubai Royal Family and reminded us all it has been in Dubai where he’s enjoyed some of most memorable golfing moments.
Among those was the first of now 45 pro career victories dating all the way back to February 2009 while it will be later this week in Dubai where McIlroy will no doubt be handed the gleaming DP World Tour Race to Dubai victory trophy for a seventh occasion.
And the image of McIlroy standing together with Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates is surely a proud first for Rors and also a first for a reigning Masters champion.
Here @McIlroyRory with @HamdanMohammed great https://t.co/4NeNq6Wd8m
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McIlroy has arrived in Dubai for a second occasion this year having won 45 tournaments since turning pro in late 2007 and it must be remembered the first of those wins was in Dubai at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic.
He’ll tee-up later this week in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and also certain for a seventh occasion to be handed the stunning Race to Dubai title.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum meets with Masters winning Rory McIlroy and McIlroy accompanied by his manager Sean O’Flaherty (L). Image WAM
GULF NEWS reports …..
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan congratulated McIlroy on his remarkable achievements while McIlroy praised His Highness for his encouragement and shared his hope of a seventh championship win. He commended Dubai and the UAE for hosting major tournaments that draw the world’s top golfers.
Following the meeting, which was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications along with McIlroy’s long-time manager, Sean O’Flaherty, McIlroy expressed his admiration for Dubai’s vision to become one of the world’s most active and healthiest cities through the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
“Dubai has always held a special place in both my career and my life. I won my first professional title here at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, I’ve won more tournaments in Dubai than in any other city in the world, and I even called it home for several years. One of my earliest commercial partners was Jumeirah, so in many ways, Dubai has been part of my journey from the very beginning,” said McIlroy.
“The vision behind the Dubai Fitness Challenge is truly inspiring. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai’s, commitment to making Dubai one of the most active cities in the world is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership that makes this city so special.
“What I love about the Dubai Fitness Challenge is that it’s not just for elite athletes, it’s about inspiring everyone, at every age and fitness level, to get active and improve their health.”
McIlroy also acknowledged the significant role golf is playing in this year’s edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. He said that golf is the perfect activity for people looking to stay active as it combines physical movement with mental challenge, gets you outdoors, and can be enjoyed at any age or fitness level.
