Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: History says Rory McIlroy will start fast at Yas Links
How the big names feel about their prep for this week's DP World Tour 2022 opener and how they've performed in the first start of a new year over the past five campaigns.
Rory McIlroy has a remarkable record at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but may just be happy to see the tournament move venues this year.
The four-time Major winner had banked eight top three finishes in his last nine starts at Abu Dhabi Golf Club although never managed to walk off with the trophy.
This year, after 16 editions at Abu Dhabi GC, McIlroy will have another crack but this time at new venue, Yas Links.
His rivals include Open champion Collin Morikawa and fellow Ryder Cup stars Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood and defending champion Tyrrell Hatton.
Rory McIlroy
Tyrrell Hatton
Tommy Fleetwood
Shane Lowry
Viktor Hovland
How the top stars fare
Rory McIlroy: 3-3-4-3-2
Tyrrell Hatton: 1-6-MC-15-13
Tommy Fleetwood: 7-2-42-1-1
Shane Lowry: MC-2-1-MC-33
Viktor Hovland has already played in 2022, finishing 30th out of 38 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Viktor Hovland: 2-23-40