Rory McIlroy’s Quest to Complete His Abu Dhabi Record
Rory McIlroy has shown remarkable consistency at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, yet there is one notable achievement that remains out of reach for the Northern Irish golfer. Despite 11 appearances at the tournament, McIlroy has never secured a victory there.
Career Highlights and Near Misses at Abu Dhabi
The five-time Major winner has finished as runner-up four times and placed third on five occasions, either alone or tied. His narrowest losses came in 2012, 2014, and 2015 when Robert Rock, Pablo Larrazabal, and Gary Stal took the titles respectively.
“Despite 11 appearances at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship throughout his career, McIlroy has never won it.”
“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.”
The 2015 Shock and McIlroy’s Challenge
The 2015 tournament was particularly surprising. Gary Stal climbed from eight strokes behind leader Martin Kaymer after 54 holes to capture the title, stunning many Ryder Cup stars, including McIlroy.
“Stal's victory in 2015 was arguably the biggest shock for McIlroy and co as the Frenchman roared from eight strokes behind 54-hole leader Martin Kaymer to stun a cluster of current or future Ryder Cup stars at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.”
Upcoming Goals for McIlroy
Beyond Abu Dhabi, McIlroy aims to secure his seventh Race to Dubai crown, which would put him just one title behind Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record.
Summary
After a stellar year, Rory McIlroy is determined to add the elusive Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title to his record, further cementing his legacy in professional golf.