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Rory McIlroy is hoping it will be third time lucky at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, as he bids to end an agonising second-place hoodoo at the Desert Swing opener.
The world number one, who signed a new endorsement deal with global sportswear giant, Nike, on Monday, has finished second for the past two years – behind triple Abu Dhabi Champion Martin Kaymer in 2011 and England’s Robert Rock last year.
“[Abu Dhabi is] a place I have done well. I think one problem for me the last few years has been Martin Kaymer. He’s played really well around here and won it three times and I always came up second best.”
“It would be nice to go one better this week and obviously that’s what I’m aiming for; it’s a great field and looks like the golf course is in great shape, as well. I’ve got good memories of this golf course and I’ve played well around here in the past, so hopefully I can do that again this week.”
A year after being edged out by Rock, McIlroy believes his game has improved. “I’d like to think that I’m a better player, I’m a smarter player,” he said. “Twelve months on, you gain experience from the different things on and off the golf course.
That’s the thing about me, I try to learn every time I do something; if it’s good or bad, I try to learn from my mistakes and move on. I think it would be disappointing if I didn’t think I was a wiser person sitting here now than I was 12 months ago.”
“Everything’s been going really well in practise and even when I’m on the course, everything’s been great so hopefully that continues when I get a scorecard in my hand on Thursday.”
McIlroy tees off with Tiger Woods and Martin Kaymer at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club this Thursday at 7.40am.
Championship tickets are available via the event’s official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com - as well as online at www.timeouttickets.com. Tickets can also be bought at the gate throughout the Championship.
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