McIlroy has stated he does not want the crowd scenes to overshadow Europe’s brilliant performance, particularly in the foursomes and fourball sessions.
He can look back on what he calls “the season of his golfing life”, which brought a long-awaited career grand slam with his Masters triumph as well as victories at the Players Championship, Pebble Beach and the Irish Open.
McIlroy is now targeting success here in Abu Dhabi as well as the season finale at next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
He is in pole position for a seventh Race to Dubai title but holds only a narrow lead in the standings over England’s Marco Penge.
“I remember trying to win my first race to Dubai in 2009 and going up against Lee Westwood for those last couple of events,” McIlroy said.
“I was motivated and hungry and really wanted to do it and I’m sure that’s exactly how Marco feels. So it’s going to be an exciting couple of weeks.”
On his return to the Middle East, McIlroy is in a reflective mood after so much success in a year that began in the United Arab Emirates at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
“I think back to the start in January of 2025 when I was last here and everything that’s happened since,” he said.
“Honestly, in my wildest dreams, I didn’t know. I mean, I knew a year like this was possible, but it’s just been an amazing 10 months.”
