Rory McIlroy’s kicking off his 18th pro season with big expectations at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he’s gunning for his third straight win at Emirates GC.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman enters as the favorite, but he’ll face stiff competition from stars like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in a loaded field.
2024 was a rollercoaster for McIlroy, with several near-misses including a heartbreaker at the US Open. Now he’s looking to bounce back in what’s also a Ryder Cup year.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, McIlroy opened up about several hot topics, including some interesting developments with his young protégé Tom McKibbin.
The 22-year-old McKibbin, who learned the game at McIlroy’s home club of Holywood, has been rumored to be jumping to LIV Golf despite recently earning his PGA Tour card.
“As soon as he got the offer, he rang me,” McIlroy said. “I had just landed in New Zealand. We had a really good conversation.”
McIlroy didn’t hold back his thoughts on McKibbin’s potential move.
“If I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice,” he told the young star. “Working so hard to get your Tour card in the States… I think what he potentially is sacrificing – access to Majors, a potential Ryder Cup spot – it just wouldn’t have been worth it.”
After years of being deeply involved in golf’s politics, McIlroy’s stepping back to focus on his game. He resigned from the PGA Tour’s policy board in November as negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund continue.
“It’s really nice to just focus on the golf,” he admitted. “I’m still young-ish. I feel young. But I understand that the window is very slowly closing, and I want to make sure I do everything I can to have the best career I possibly can.”
McIlroy’s also excited about TGL, the tech-focused golf league he created with Tiger Woods. After two events, he says it’s achieving its goal of reaching younger fans.
“If you’re a complete traditionalist of the game, it’s probably not for you, but that’s fine. That’s not the audience that we’re going for.”
Looking ahead to 2025, McIlroy’s planning a lighter schedule of about 22 tournaments, including the Ryder Cup. He’s also hinted at possibly playing in India for the first time.
“India is a country I’ve always wanted to visit,” he said. “There are discussions ongoing about an event later in the year, but they’re at a delicate stage.”
After playing 27 tournaments last year, McIlroy’s enjoyed his off-season, even catching a Borussia Dortmund soccer match and traveling to New Zealand.
“I’ve been working on having fun,” he said with a smile. “There’s plenty of time from now until April to knuckle down and get the game in good shape.”
