Rory McIlroy's remarkable performance in the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship has significantly boosted his confidence as he aims for a seventh Race to Dubai title. He shot an impressive bogey-free 62, featuring eight birdies and an eagle, marking his lowest round this year. Despite this, he finished tied for third, just one stroke behind Aaron Rai and Tommy Fleetwood.
McIlroy extended his lead in the DP World Tour standings over Marco Penge, who finished on 20-under in Abu Dhabi. With a 767-point advantage over Penge, only Tyrrell Hatton remains a contender to catch him. Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy expressed optimism about closing in on Colin Montgomerie's record of eight Harry Vardon Trophy victories at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
McIlroy shared his thoughts on the tournament: "Obviously, we ended up one short but a great day of golf and a great way to end the week. " He added that it was also an excellent way to approach the upcoming event in Dubai. His strategy was to maintain momentum by making as many birdies as possible to secure both the tournament win and a comfortable lead heading into next week.
A sensational final round from @McIlroyRory #ADGolfChamps | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/ATAmqfesgSDP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 9, 2025
As the defending champion at the DP Tour World Championship, McIlroy returns with fond memories of last year's two-shot victory over Rasmus Hojgaard. Having previously won in 2012 and 2015, he also boasts nine top-five finishes at the Dubai course. "I really like that golf course," McIlroy stated. "It really suits me. "
He believes that the Dubai course aligns better with his playing style compared to Yas Links. The recent performance has been a significant confidence booster after some time off. McIlroy hopes to replicate this form starting Thursday and continue through the tournament.
The Northern Irishman is eager to build on his recent success and maintain his lead in the standings. With only Hatton posing a challenge, McIlroy is well-positioned for another strong showing at Jumeirah Golf Estates. His focus remains on delivering consistent performances throughout the championship.
