Rory McIlroy posts strong opening round at DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy posts strong opening round at DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship with a three-under-par 70 on 12 November in Abu Dhabi, moving into contention in the Race to Dubai, according to the BBC. Golf Channel reported that McIlroy was penalised two strokes for allegedly improving his lie on the 12th hole, turning a six-under front-nine into an eight on the hole.

The BBC noted that he shot a nine-under 63 in the second round, moving one shot behind the leaders, while the PGA Tour added that he recorded 11 birdies in that round. Later, the BBC said Jon Rahm secured the tournament victory with a final-round 67, winning by two strokes.

Actors

Rory McIlroy Francesco Laporta Eugenio Chacarra Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship

Locations

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Articles

November 12, 2026
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Rory McIlroy Starts Strong at DP World Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy Starts Strong at DP World Tour Championship

BBC • 12 Nov 14:13

Rory McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship with a three-under-par round, positioning himself well in the Race to Dubai standings.

Credibility 92% Manip. 8% Center
November 08, 2026
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Jon Rahm wins Abu Dhabi Championship with final-round 67
Jon Rahm wins Abu Dhabi Championship with final-round 67

BBC • 08 Nov 13:14

Jon Rahm shot a 67 in the final round to secure a two-stroke victory at the Abu Dhabi Championship, his first DP World Tour win in four years.

Credibility 92% Manip. 8% Center
November 06, 2026
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McIlroy fires 11 birdies to sit one shot off lead at Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship
McIlroy fires 11 birdies to sit one shot off lead at Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship

PGA Tour • 06 Nov 17:43

Rory McIlroy posted a 9-under 63 with 11 birdies on Friday, moving to one stroke behind the 36-hole leader after a two-shot penalty in the first round.

Credibility 85% Manip. 8% Center
McIlroy fires nine-under 63 to close gap on Abu Dhabi Championship leader board
McIlroy fires nine-under 63 to close gap on Abu Dhabi Championship leader board

BBC • 06 Nov 11:40

Rory McIlroy shot a nine-under 63 in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship, moving to one shot behind the leaders after serving a two-shot penalty in the opening round.

Credibility 92% Manip. 8% Center
November 05, 2026
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McIlroy receives two-stroke penalty for alleged lie improvement, posts quadruple bogey at Abu Dhabi
McIlroy receives two-stroke penalty for alleged lie improvement, posts quadruple bogey at Abu Dhabi

Golf Channel • 05 Nov 14:16

Rory McIlroy was penalised two strokes for allegedly improving his lie on the 12th hole, turning a six into an eight, while finishing the round with six birdies and a 2-under 70.

Credibility 92% Manip. 8% Center