Rory McIlroy’s Quest to Complete His Abu Dhabi Record
Rory McIlroy has shown remarkable consistency in Abu Dhabi, yet there is one achievement that remains elusive to him. As the year concludes, the five-time Major champion still has major goals on his agenda.
Key Goals for McIlroy
- Securing a seventh Race To Dubai title to come within one of Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record.
- Winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a tournament where victory has so far escaped him despite 11 appearances.
His Abu Dhabi Challenge
Although McIlroy has participated 11 times, he has never claimed the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. He has narrowly missed out multiple times, finishing runner-up four times and third on five occasions.
"The former World No.1 lost out by a single stroke in 2012, 2014 and 2015 as Robert Rock, Pablo Larrazabal and Gary Stal each took the spoils."
Among these near misses, Gary Stal's 2015 triumph was a particular upset. Stal surged from eight strokes behind the 54-hole leader Martin Kaymer to clinch the title, stunning several current and future Ryder Cup players at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
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Author's Summary: Despite tremendous success in Abu Dhabi, Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of his first victory at the HSBC Championship remains a key milestone in his illustrious career.