Joy's Abu Dhabi diary: McIlroy still can't beat his dad

Joy Chakravarty 20:22 23/01/2016
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  • (L-R): Stenson, Howell and McIlroy,

    Henrik Stenson has decided to play it safe with his knee and decided to pull out of next week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

    The world No5, who went under the knife for a meniscus surgery on his right knee on December 9, is still feeling the after-effects, even though he made his comeback at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, and even shot a sensational seven-under par 65 in the opening round.

    But the Swede, who has played 15 successive Qatar Masters since the 2001 edition and was the champion in 2006, said the whole right leg is taking a beating as it is yet to strengthen properly.

    “It’s been a struggle. Not so much for the knee. It’s getting a bit swollen from playing golf and walking but the foot is taking a lot of strain. I feel like I’ve done about a thousand toe-ups,” said Stenson.

    “I’ve decided to not push that any further and take a rest for next week. Unfortunately, I have pulled out of Qatar and I hope to get some rest and rehab and push on from there.”

    Secret of Howell’s success

    David Howell, who so cruelly lost out on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship title in 2014 when he four-putted the 13th hole for the triple bogey and finished sixth, is in the mix again at the halfway stage. He was seven-under par and in tied fourth place.

    Now a resident of Dubai for several years, you would have thought the Englishman must have made the most of good weather and practiced hard during the winter break.

    But that’s not what happened.

    “Actually, I didn’t touch a club for six weeks. I literally didn’t. I probably did less practise than the guys stuck back in cold, rainy Britain I guess,” said the 40-year-old Howell.

    “But I’ve had a lovely down time with the family. I really used South Africa to, as I say, prepare for this. So, feeling quite pleased about that plan at the moment.

    “I’m 40 now, you need to pick your breaks. You play all year round if you wish and I think when you get a chance, you’ve got to take it.”

    Shot of the Day

    Came very early in the day when Rory McIlroy hit a fantastic 5-wood second shot to 18 inches on the 18th hole – his final hole of the second round – and made an eagle to get back into contention.

    McIlroy has never made an albatross is his life, while his father, Gerry, has already made two. So, the world number three was understandably a little unhappy.

    “I’ve been close before but never had an albatross. I think my dad’s had a couple. I haven’t quite caught up to him on that,” said McIlroy.

    “Looked pretty close from back there. I’m not sure how close it did come to getting in but just happy to finish with an eagle and stay within touching distance of the leaders.”

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