Rory McIlroy has been practicing in Abu Dhabi for weeks.
World’s No. 1 Dustin Johnson’s there.
So is the red-hot Justin Rose.
Tommy Fleetwood is your Race To Dubai winner and 2017 winner of the Seve Ballesteros Award — naming him the “Players’ Player” as voted by his fellow competitors in Europe.
Time to get down and dirty in the desert and the European Tour didn’t waste any time — McIlroy, Johnson and Fleetwood are paired for rounds one and two when the HSBC Champions begins on Thursday at the manicured Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Second best pairing has Rose in with Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar — giving us the Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists going head-to-head.
Considering the time of year, this is exactly what we need, a little “must see” golf.
Good news is that Eldrick guy is not here to suck all of the attention out of the atmosphere.
No, this one’s about Rory’s return and D.J.’s quest for a monster season.
D.J. put the rest of the world on notice two weeks ago when he crushed the field at the Tournament Of Champions. He’s pretty familiar with things in Abu Dhabi. Last year he was edged by Fleetwood. Fleetwood shot 17-under to win, D.J. was a shot back and you know that didn’t sit too well with him. This is also a Ryder Cup year and you know D.J. and Kooch would like to let the Europeans know what’s in store for them in France later this year.
The question surrounding McIlroy is how much rust will be on his game?
McIlroy’s last appearance came at the Dunhill Links in early October and he’s been on hiatus since then.
Last week McIlroy shook up the golf world when he was giving his “State Of Rory” interview to The Telegraph and casually mentioned that he’s got a heart issue.
That little “oh by the way” comment sent the Twitter-sphere into a state of pandemonium which required Rory to clarify the situation and tell everyone that it’s nothing serious, just something to be monitored on an annual basis.
What might be more important is the state of his wedge and short game. McIlroy, the King of the 357-yard drive, is also the King of the 30-foot wedge shot — meaning he sure doesn’t hit ’em close like D.J. — which brings us back to that lead pairing on Thursday. Would be great to be there just to see how far those guys launch it on the par fives? Ouch!
Of all the stars in this field, it is McIlroy who has the most to prove this season. He went winless in 2017, slowed early by a rib injury from which he probably never really recovered, hence his extended layoff late last year.
McIlroy also says that he’s going to be seen often this season:
“I might play more times this year than any before. I played 28 times in 2008 and I’m on track to beat that. I could get to 30, depending on where I’m placed in the Race to Dubai. But I’ll see.”
Yes, it’s an “I’ll see” season for Rory.
It starts this week and he’s right in there with the best.
Can’t wait for this one.
