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, walked over to greet the Ulsterman but the four-time major champ seemed more concerned at setting up his launch monitor.
McIlroy later insisted he was well within his rights to blank Reed because he was served notice of a subpoena by the American’s lawyer Larry Klayman on Christmas Eve.
It was part of Klayman’s antitrust litigation against the PGA Tour.
He was unaware Reed lightly tossed a LIV Golf-branded 4Aces tee in his direction but later explained his stance.
McIlroy previously said:
“Patrick came up to say hello and I didn’t really want him to.
“As I recall, that was it. I didn’t see the tee. I didn’t smell the tee. Obviously someone else saw it. But it was definitely a storm in a teacup. I can’t believe it’s actually turned into a story, it’s nothing.
“I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve. Trying to have a nice time with my family and someone shows up on your doorstep and delivers that, you’re not going to take that well.
“I’m living in reality, I don’t know where he’s living. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake.”
McIlroy is the reigning 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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