Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will defend his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic next January on the Europe-based DP World Tour.
Rory McIlroy confirms he will defend his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic next January.
McIlroy, who also won the tournament in 2009 and 2015, will attempt to become the first golfer to win the title four times on the DP World Tour.
The Northern Irishman held off Patrick Reed by one stroke at Emirates Golf Club earlier this year.
This was the same tournament where McIlroy and the American were involved in a disproportionate practice-court exchange.
Reed, 33, stepped forward to greet the Ulsterman, but the four-time major champion seemed more interested in setting up his launch screen.
McIlroy later asserted that he had every right to exonerate Reed because he had been informed of the subpoena on Christmas Eve by American attorney Larry Klayman.
This is part of Klayman’s antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour.
He was unaware that Reed had lightly tossed a LIV Golf-branded 4Aces tee at him, but he later explained his point.
McIlroy previously said:
“Patrick came up to say hello to me and I really didn’t want him to.
“As I recall, that was it. I didn’t see tee. I didn’t smell tee. Obviously someone else saw it. But it was definitely a storm in a teacup. I can’t believe this has become a story, it’s nothing.
“I was summoned by his lawyer on Christmas Eve. I was trying to have a good time with my family and someone came to your door and gave this to you, you too won’t accept it.
“I’m practically alive, I don’t know where he lives. If I were in his place, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake. »
McIlroy is the defending Race to Dubai champion. It’s an honor he’s won four times, and he hopes to win a fifth Nov. 16-19 at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Speaking to the official DP World Tour website about his commitment to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy said:
“Lifting the Dallah Cup for a third time means a lot. I’ve achieved a lot many successes at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic over the years, so adding another title is the perfect way to start the new year
“I love coming to Dubai and the support we get from the fans always special. I look forward to returning to Emirates Golf Club in January and hopefully making history. ), José Maria Olazábal (1998), Mark O’Meara (2004), Tiger Woods (2006, 08) , Henrik Stenson (2007), Danny Willett (2016), Sergio Garcia (2017) and Bryson DeChambeau (2019).
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