Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will play in next month’s Abu Dhabi Championship as he chases a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title amid concerns over the DP World Tour’s Middle East finale.
The six-time major champion is set to return to Yas Links for the first of two season-ending playoff events in the UAE, despite reservations voiced by Ryder Cup players.
McIlroy trails Patrick Reed in the season-long standings, making the back-to-back tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai decisive in his pursuit of another Order of Merit crown.
But the sporting stakes have been accompanied by uncertainty over regional tensions, with reports suggesting Spain and Portugal could provide alternative venues if the events were relocated.
The tournaments remain scheduled for the UAE, and McIlroy has confirmed his participation in Abu Dhabi.
“The Abu Dhabi Championship is always one of the tournaments I look forward to,” he said.
“Abu Dhabi is a fantastic place to visit, Yas Links is always in immaculate condition, and the atmosphere throughout the week makes it a special event.”
Despite his success elsewhere in the region, McIlroy has never won the Abu Dhabi Championship.
Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will play in next month’s Abu Dhabi Championship as he chases a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title amid concerns over the DP World Tour’s Middle East finale
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He hopes to change that while strengthening his position in the battle with Reed.
“I’ve finished runner-up here four times, so I’d obviously love to go one better and finally win it,” McIlroy added.
“I really enjoy finishing my season in the UAE, and hopefully I can have a strong week and put myself in a position to win another Race to Dubai title.”
An eighth season-long title would bring the Northern Irishman level with Colin Montgomerie’s record.
Five things to know about Rory McIlroy | GB NEWS/GETTY
McIlroy’s confirmation comes after Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre and Shane Lowry expressed concerns about competing in the region.
Fitzpatrick, the defending DP World Tour Championship winner, admitted he was uneasy about travelling and said becoming a father had changed his perspective.
“Being completely honest as things stand right now, I would say I’m not that comfortable. No, I wouldn’t be that comfortable,” he said.
“A few things have changed for me, perspective and stuff. I’ve had a child in August, and that kind of changes things, I guess, a bit more.”
Fitzpatrick also highlighted the difficulty players faced when trying to finalise their schedules.
“It’s frustrating that the decision hasn’t been made so you can plan what’s going on,” he said.
Rory McIlroy has never won the Abu Dhabi Championship
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“But I understand there’s a lot of moving parts to that, and it’s difficult to make these decisions.”
He acknowledged that the Tour would seek expert guidance before proceeding, while maintaining his reservations.
“I think if the tour do go, I’m sure they have had the best advice possible on what that looks like.”
The Abu Dhabi Championship is scheduled to begin on November 5, with the DP World Tour Championship following at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai the next week.
