Moving into his 18th season as a professional, Rory McIlroy is expected, once again, to have a big year, with the four-time Major winner getting his campaign up-and-running at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Searching for a third straight title at Emirates GC, McIlroy is the favorite in Dubai but, with a bumper field in attendance, it may not be all that easy for the 35-year-old, as the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton look to claim the crown.
McIlroy is going for a fifth Dubai Desert Classic crown
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Certainly, after a dramatic 2024, which saw McIlroy miss out agonisingly on a number of big titles, most notably the US Open, a lot of attention is on the Northern Irishman in what is also a Ryder Cup year.
Speaking on Wednesday in his press conference, McIlroy spoke openly about a number of topics and, below, we have noted five key takeaways from it.
Tom McKibbin’s LIV Golf Rumours
Prior to the Team Cup last week, rumours started to swirl that 22-year-old, Tom McKibbin, is set to jump to the LIV Golf League, despite securing his PGA Tour card via the DP World Tour in 2024.
Both McIlroy and McKibbin are close friends, with McKibbin emerging as a junior golfer at the same golf club McIlroy learned his trade – Holywood Golf Club.
Speaking at his press conference, McIlroy revealed he has had several discussions with the DP World Tour winner, stating: “I have known Tom since he was 10/11-years-old and, as soon as he got the offer, he rang me. I had just landed in New Zealand. We had a really good conversation.
“I talked to him multiple times over the course of December to sort of get a feel for, you know, what he was thinking, and obviously what — you know, yeah, basically what he was going to do. And all I could do is give my perspective.
McKibbin and McIlroy were paired alongside each other the Irish Open
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“I really like Tom as a person. As a player I think he’s got a ton of potential. Look, I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making. I think, you know, working so hard to get your Tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement.
“I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to Majors, a…
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