ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

November 10, 2024

Rory McIlry

Yas Links

Quick Quotes

Q. A round of 64 for a total of 21 under par, we never say never but does it feel like it will come up just a little bit shy?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I think maybe one shy depending on what Tyrrell does here at the last. He hit a decent tee shot. Obviously if he makes four, then it's been a good week and I'll head to Dubai obviously in a good position going into next week.

But yeah, I think the two finishes on Friday and Saturday, obviously left me with a bit of work to do, and if I do come up one short, I'll obviously rue those two finishes on those two days.

Q. 4-under through six, right into the mix and then a quiet section in the middle of the round and suddenly you birdie 13 and 14 with a monster putt, and 15. What are you thinking at that stage in terms of winning the tournament, but also trying to get some more points to make the job easier next week?

RORY McILROY: Yeah I played the first six in 4-under, and when I was walking to 13 tee, I said to myself, if we can play the last six in 4-under and post 21; I did what I wanted to do. Made a good birdie on 13 and made an unbelievably lucky birdie on 14, and made another good birdie on 15 after a great drive.

And 16 and 17 are actually playing quite tricky. Good 2-putt on 16 to give myself a chance on 17, and hit a good putt and then two good shots into the last. You know, I set myself a target with six holes to go, and I achieved that target but it might still come up one short.

Q. You've obviously extended your lead over Thriston Lawrence over The Race to Dubai because you've beaten him by a shot but the equation is so complex. It looks like you might win today, or be in a good position tied for second with two or three others, or it drops down, or it ends up going into next week. Either way you must feel in a good position?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I do feel in a good position. I saw Thriston making a charge today, and I was keeping one eye on the leaderboard and looking at what he was doing. I saw he posted 20.

Obviously I wanted to birdie the last, anyway, but I know that birdie, even if it isn't to win the tournament this week, it obviously gives me that little bit extra of a cushion going into next week. Every shot counts at this moment in time, and I was glad to make the four at the last and at least give myself half a chance at this tournament this week but also give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai next week as well.