Rory McIlroy is eyeing historical past this week on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
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After an extended season with many highs and much more devastating lows, four-time main winner Rory McIlroy could possibly be enjoyable in South Florida and recovering for subsequent season. As an alternative, he’s within the Center East grinding for a win. Why? As a result of he’s taking part in for historical past.
McIlroy has gained the final two Race to Dubai titles, the season-long factors race to determine the champion of the DP World Tour. Previously often known as the Order of Benefit, Rory already has 5 titles in his profession. That places him in elite firm.
Seve Ballesteros gathered six Order of Benefit wins in his illustrious profession, however the all-time chief is Colin Montgomerie with a whopping eight wins.
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However because the second-to-last occasion of the season begins this week, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, McIlroy as soon as once more has a cushty lead within the Race to Dubai standings. Ought to he play effectively this week and at subsequent week’s DP World Tour Championship, he’d match Seve’s complete and transfer to inside two of Monty’s file.
On Tuesday in his pre-tournament press convention, McIlroy admitted the season-long title could be on his thoughts this week.
“A bit of bit but when I am going out and win this week, clearly you understand, it makes it a bit boring subsequent week. However I gained’t discover it boring; will probably be beautiful,” McIlroy instructed reporters. “However yeah, all I can give attention to is the duty at hand and attempting to play in addition to I can this week, and if I can try this, I’ll give myself a good higher probability.”
He continued, “I’ve had loads of good probabilities this yr. I’ve transformed a pair. However I’ve let a number of slip away. Attempt to give myself one other two probabilities to win golf tournaments which are essential to me.”
When requested instantly whether or not the possibility of passing Montgomerie on the all-time Race to Dubai listing is what retains him attempting so arduous on the DP World Tour after an arduous full season throughout the pond, McIlroy stated it was “not essentially that.”
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As an alternative, it’s a unique however associated lifelong aim that retains him engaged after already undertaking a lot: turning into the best European professional golfer ever.
“I delight myself – I’m a European participant. I wish to go down as probably the most profitable European of all time. Clearly Race to Dubai wins would rely to that but additionally main championships and hopefully I’ve obtained a number of extra Ryder Cups forward of me as effectively,” McIlroy defined. “In order that’s one thing that I wish to, I feel is a aim that’s fairly attainable over the subsequent ten years. I’m very proud to be from Europe and have type of, you understand, performed on this tour and performed on this tour persistently.”
