McIlroy’s Triple-Bogey Setback as Waring Dominates The Abu Dhabi Championship
Paul Waring has taken command of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with a record-breaking performance, while Rory McIlroy’s hopes for an early Race to Dubai victory hit a surprising obstacle during Friday’s second round.
The 39-year-old Waring stunned the golfing world by shooting an extraordinary 11-under 61, setting a new course record at Yas Links. His remarkable two-day total of 19 under par also established a new DP World Tour record for the lowest 36-hole score.
McIlroy’s Day of Mixed Fortunes The world No. 3 was cruising through an impressive round, sitting at seven-under through 16 holes, when disaster struck at the par-three 17th. A series of unfortunate shots led to a triple-bogey six, dealing a significant blow to his tournament hopes.
“I played quite nice up until that point,” McIlroy reflected. “I even felt like I hit a nice shot into 17, a nice flighted five-iron, but it hit the down slope and trundled into the bunker.”
The Northern Irishman showed his resilience by immediately bouncing back with a birdie on the final hole, finishing with a five-under 67. Despite this recovery, he now sits nine shots behind the leader heading into the weekend.
Waring’s record-breaking round Waring’s phenomenal performance included:
- An eagle soared from 119 yards on the sixth hole.
- Nine birdies throughout the round
- The 18th hole featured a spectacular approach shot from 265 yards.
- He had a commanding five-shot lead over his nearest competitors.
“That was the best shot I’ve ever hit in my life,” Waring declared about his final approach. The world No. 229 has positioned himself perfectly for a shot at his second DP World Tour title.
Race to Dubai Implications McIlroy maintains a chance to secure his sixth Race to Dubai title with a strong finish this weekend. A first- or second-place finish would clinch the season-long crown before next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Looking Ahead The weekend promises intense competition as Tommy Fleetwood, Thorbjorn Olesen, Johannes Veerman, and Niklas Norgaard share second place, all seeking to challenge Waring’s lead. McIlroy, drawing on his experience of previous comebacks, remains optimistic about his chances.
“I know it’s out there,” McIlroy said, referencing his potential for a low weekend round. “I was seven-under through 13 holes today, so it is possible.”
The tournament continues Saturday morning, with featured groups teeing off at 4 AM and full coverage beginning at 7 AM on Sky Sports Golf. Golf fans worldwide will be watching to see if Waring can maintain his historic pace or if McIlroy can mount another memorable comeback.