‘It would be an unbelievably massive honour’ – Rory McIlroy asked about chances of knighthood after good start in Dubai
Even if Penge were to win the final event, the Co Down star would claim the season-long Race to Dubai by finishing solo second.
But Penge’s chances of pulling that off look over now after he opened with a two over 74, and an impressive McIlroy cruised around the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in 66.
The Holywood star (36) put on an imperious display of approach and short game prowess to end the day tied for third with England’s Andy Sullivan and South Africa’s Thriston Laurence as American Michael Kim shot 64 to lead by a shot from Tommy Fleetwood.
He birdied the first three holes, and while he bogeyed the fourth after driving into sand, he picked up shots at the seventh, 10th, 11th and 14th to record his 15th round of 66 or better on the Earth Course.
“Yeah, got off to the perfect start, making three birdies in a row, and I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I’ve had in a long time,” McIlroy said.
“Wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I don’t want to sound like I’m disappointed, but I feel like I left a few out there.
“I missed a couple of short ones, but overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I’m very comfortable on, and historically, I’ve played very well on.”
McIlroy has improved his game in recent seasons, especially his wedge play and putting, and that was clear to see in an impressive but facile-looking 66.
“I think when my game’s on, it feels that way,” he said when asked if he felt he now had a game with no weaknesses.
“I definitely feel like I’ve made big strides and those two departments of the game over the last few years.
“I finished in the top five in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour this year for the first time. I definitely feel like my wedge play is a lot better, and if I drive the ball well, then I give myself so many opportunities from inside 150.
“And if that part of my game is sharp, you know, I feel like I give myself plenty of opportunities. And I think that’s why, when I do play well, I’m consistently up there most weeks.”
The Ulsterman became just the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam when he won the Masters in April and when asked afterwards by Sky Sports how he felt about suggestions that he should be made “Sir Rory McIlroy”, he could only smile.
“If that were ever to happen, it would be an unbelievably massive honour,” said McIlroy, who was made an MBE in 2012 following his 2011 US Open win.
“That’s obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me.
“But I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment of my life.”
Shane Lowry looks across the second hole on day one of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates today. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Shane Lowry also made a great start, carding a four-under 68 in the first group of the day to share ninth place.
He regards the season as a success after helping Europe win the Ryder Cup, but without an individual win since the 2022 BMW PGA, he’d love to put “the icing on the cake” and end the year with a victory.
“The only thing I didn’t do so far this season is win,” said Lowry, who birdied his first four holes and bogeyed the 12th before finishing with a birdie four.
“I’ve got one more chance this week.”
While his half with Russell Henley ensured Europe would retain the Ryder Cup, he hopes to finish the season on a high.
“Look, no matter what happens this week, I’ll sit there at Christmas and I’ll have my Ryder Cup trophy on the table and I think it will be a pretty nice year,” he said.
“But a win this week would definitely be the icing on the cake.”
Tom McKibbin, meanwhile, carded a two-under 70 to share 22nd place with the likes of Tyrrell Hatton.
Hatton is the only other player who can deny McIlroy the Race to Dubai.
But he needs to win and hope McIlroy finishes worse than joint eighth with one other.
