DUBAI INVITATIONAL

January 13, 2024

Rory McIlroy

Dubai Creek Resort

Quick Quotes

Q. Rory, what do you make of your performance today? You're still well in it.

RORY MCILROY: Yeah, definitely well in it. I felt like I did okay. It was a bit of a slow start again. You know, I -- yeah, it was a little bit of a slow start, but then I got things going on the back nine.

Shot 4-under on the back to try to keep up with Tommy. And, you know, played well that back nine and earned myself a tee time with him tomorrow, and it'll be good fun. I'm looking forward to it.

Q. What are you looking forward to the most?

RORY MCILROY: Just, you know, being in the final group and, you know, playing with -- I felt a little bit of pressure on the back nine today because I was trying to get over the line for the team event.

But I think just first week back, being in the final group, started feeling a little bit of the buzz and the pressure, trying to win a golf tournament. You know, you think you know where your game is until you play in it in a situation like that.

So I feel like I've been playing pretty well this week, and hopefully one more day.

Q. Obviously good friends Abdullah, the host himself. What was it like playing with him but also seeing his vision coming to life?

RORY MCILROY: Yeah, absolutely amazing. You know, Abdullah has been a big part of the game of golf in this region, and the DP World Tour as well. He's a board member of the DP World Tour for the last year or so. And he cares deeply about the game.

And for him to bring everyone to Dubai and put on a Pro-Am like this, he should be really proud of the work that he's done to do that.

And as I said, I wish I could have got him over the line, but it's been a great three days, and looking forward to one more day tomorrow.