Rory McIlroy is in for a multiple winning season if his share of third place in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is any guideline.
McIlroy’s now had four seconds and now a third place result in the past six years competing in the UASE capital.
However, he’s then progressed into each season to capture four Majors and 13 other Tour titles.
McIlroy eagled the last for a second occasion in three days in a round of 68 to be tied on 11-under par with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.
But for a third occasion in eight months McIlroy has played second fiddle to new World No. 4 Rickie Fowler who captured his second European Tour counting event in six appearances, and fighting back from a near crippling seventh hole double bogey to then eagle the eighth on route to a 69 and a one stroke 16-under par winning tally.
Fowler’s win further reinforces the new generation of younger players gripping the ancient game with the average of the top four, including World No. 1 Jordan Spieth and World No. 2 Jason Day, just 25.75 years.
Rory McIlroy (NIR) during the Final Round of the 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, played on the Abu Dhabi National Golf Course, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 24/01/2016. Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd
All photos usage must carry mandatory copyright credit (© Golffile | David Lloyd)
“Golf’s in a really good position right now,” he said.
“Seeing what Jason (Day) did last year, what Jordan did all year, still doing it, and Rory, he had a ‘not-so-good’ year and still won four times.
“But then I’ve also got my sight on No. 1 in the world, that would be the ultimate goal, but I’m up against some pretty tough opposition.”
McIlroy returns to nearby Dubai to continue practice at the Els Club before teeing-up in next Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Invitational at Yas Links and ahead of returning back down Sheik Zahed Road for the February 4th start to his defence of the Dubai Desert Classic.
“I played a very, very average 18 holes and in a tournament like this you can’t do that,” he said.
“Thankfully I gave myself a few more opportunities on the back nine and was able to convert some of them, and it was nice to again finish with an eagle.
“It’s another top-three finish here but this is not what I wanted. I can take a lot of confidence from this result, and I’ve done that each year I’ve played here, and especially going to the Desert Classic where I’ve won a couple of times.
Rory McIlroy (NIR) during the Final Round of the 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, played on the Abu Dhabi National Golf Course, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 24/01/2016. Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd
All photos usage must carry mandatory copyright credit (© Golffile | David Lloyd)
“But yeah, not quite what I wanted. It seems like this could the tournament that I just can’t master but it’s been good.
“It’s definitely a great way to start the season but as I said I seem to start every New Year the same here and then gone onto have a pretty decent season.”
Fowler delighted the large media continent gathered in the tournament media centre shouting champagne for the scribes.
“Well I have to celebrate with someone, seeing I can’t pour anything into the trophy,” he joked.
