Rory McIlroy is desperate to put his Abu Dhabi frustration behind him with a win at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic this week.
McIlroy, winner of two Major championships and a former world No1, was controversially denied victory at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 10 days ago when he was punished with a two-shot penalty for a drop infringement during his third round.
That ultimately proved costly as the 24-year-old finished a solitary stroke behind eventual champion Pablo Larrazabal to tie for second with American Phil Mickelson.
Now McIlroy, who recorded his first win as a professional in Dubai in 2009, is desperate to seize upon the positives of his performance in the UAE capital and go one better.
“Obviously, I was extremely disappointed with what happened in Abu Dhabi and I felt like I should have won there,” said McIlroy, who was speaking after opening the UAE’s first-ever stand-alone Nike Golf retail store in the Dubai Mall.
“But I had a lot of positives to take from the week. I played really well. And I also thought there were some areas where I could do some work. So, I think I am in a good place and am really looking forward to this week and 2014.”
As well as revealing that he is already planning his wedding to fiancée Caroline Wozniacki, McIlroy also said that for the first time in his career, he is going to ditch the 3-iron from his bag and use four wedges instead.
Starting with the Desert Classic, the Ulsterman will supplement his 47, 54 and 60 degree Nike VR Pro wedges with a 52 degree.
The logic makes complete sense, as McIlroy explained: “I feel that the distance I am hitting the ball right now, I am going to hit more wedges into the greens than 3-irons. So, I wanted to give myself more variety from 150 yards in and the extra wedge will surely help.”
On the possibility of a head-to-head battle with Tiger Woods, the world No6 added: “Of course that excites me. I have grown up dreaming of taking Tiger down the stretch in a Major – in any tournament really. It hasn’t quite happened yet. Hopefully it can happen this week.
“It’s great to have him here. He obviously had a bit of a rough start to the season last week, so I am sure he is going to want to make up for that. He has still got a few good years left in him, so I am hoping to do that battle with him down the stretch several times.”
And with the Desert Classic celebrating its 25th anniversary, McIlroy said he was proud to be a part of this year’s landmark tournament.
“It’s just great to be associated with the 25th year of the tournament, with almost 25 years of golf in Dubai really,” he added. “I think they have done a great job of getting together all the past champions. They have got Ernie (Els) and Freddie (Couples).
“Obviously Seve is no longer with us, but we are playing the Champions Challenge tomorrow with (his son) Javier, so that’s really special.”
