By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rory McIlroy started the strongest of the Race to Dubai title contenders at the season-ending World Tour Championship on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
The world No. 2 is second in the standings behind Spain Eugenio Chacarra, who opened with a level-par 72, while third-placed American Patrick Reed struggled during a 75.
“I think it was a pretty fair score,” said six-time major winner McIlroy.
“I could probably stand here and argue that I could have been better, but I could probably stand here and argue that I could have been worse as well.
“I hit the ball well for the most part. It’s tricky, the wind makes it tricky. The course set-up is a little more difficult than in previous years.
“The greens are not like Yas Links (in Abu Dhabi) last week. They’re not absolutely perfect, so you’ve got to have your patience a little bit on them too. Overall, happy with the score.”
Nine players – Chacarra, McIlroy, Reed, Casey Jarvis, Aaron Rai, Jon Rahm, Ryan Fox, Jayden Schaper and Daniel Hillier – can still clinch the Race to Dubai, but only Chacarra and McIlroy can guarantee the season-long accolade with victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates this week.