McIlroy Has Number One in Sights

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Rory McIlroy will go head-to-head with Jordan Speith at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this week with the American's position as World Number One firmly in his sights.

McIlroy, Spieth and Jason Day have been battling it out for the top spot over the last 12 months with Spieth currently in pole position, followed by Day with McIlroy in third.

And on the eve of the first event of his Race to Dubai defence at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, McIlroy, who spent 95 cumulative weeks at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking, is determined to regain that status this season.

"I still like to look at it and see where I'm at," he said. "Especially the strength of field for this week and how many points you would get for a win, so it's always there.

"I know I need to play well this week to leapfrog Jason. I think if I can finish second, I can get up above him.

"But I've made no secret about wanting to get back to that position, and I'd like to do it as quickly as possible. So it's definitely a motivation."

For his part Spieth, who won the Masters Tournament and the US Open Championship last season, is hoping to use the achievements of four-time Major winner McIlroy, and others, to spur him on to even greater things.

"You can be satisfied and think about all the stuff you've done or you can look at what these guys who you've looked up to your whole life have accomplished more than you have," he said.

"So look at Tiger (Woods), Phil (Mickelson), Rory, these guys that have done more in the game of golf than I have, and I want to strive to get to what they have done. I want my name to go down in history for as many things as it can. That's where my mind is, I'm less satisfied with what's happened and more hungry to try and keep it going.

"I understand that it doesn't happen overnight. It's a marathon; it's not a sprint. I'm willing to put in that time and go through the process. And you're going to have good weeks, you're going to have off weeks, I understand that. But as long as you can get just a little bit better each year, then the results will come."

To make any inroads into Spieth's lead, McIlroy will have to finish above the 22 year old this week, with Spieth coming into his first European Tour event outside Major Championships and World Golf Championships off the back of a win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions where he finished 30 under par.

With a field including eight Major Champions, 89 European Tour winners, six European Tour Number Ones and five World Number Ones, however, the Northern Irishman knows that Spieth is not the only man to beat this week.

"I don't play the game on markers at all," he said. "I want to play my best, and I don't have to just beat Jordan Spieth this week. I have to beat another 142 guys.

"So it would be foolish of me to think that that's all that my competition was, I think it would be an injustice to every other player that's in the field because there's so much talent on Tour and there's so much depth that if you forget about everyone else that could win the tournament, it's not really smart to do that.

"I've had four runners-up and I've been close a couple of times. Hopefully I can change that this week."

This will be the seventh consecutive year that McIlroy has started his campaign in Abu Dhabi with those four second-place finishes all coming in the last five years.

He will tee it up alongside Spieth and Rickie Fowler on Thursday morning and is hopeful that he can once again use the event as a springboard to a successful season.

"It was a nice break over Christmas and new year," he said. "I felt like I needed it mentally and physically a little bit. So it was nice to take that extended break and come back feeling really refreshed and excited to go.

"I've said this before: I don't think there's any better place to start the year than here in Abu Dhabi with the weather, the golf course, the field that HSBC is able to put together.

"It's a real competitive start to the year, and I feel like it's really helped me start the year quickly and well over the past few years, and hopefully that's the same case this year.

"Teeing off on Thursday morning, it's your first competitive shot in a couple of months. To tee up alongside those guys, the excitement, there's a buzz about it.

"Every year coming back here to Abu Dhabi, it was sort of the same last year with Rickie and the previous couple of years it was with Tiger. You're teeing off the first round of your season and it feels like you're right into the thick of things at the start. So I think that's really beneficial for a lot of guys to start the year like that."

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Dunne in Jo'Burg Open Mix

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Paul Dunne signed for a third round 68 on Saturday at the Jo'burg Open to go into Sunday two shots off the pace in South Africa.

After recording eight birdies and no bogeys on Friday, the Greystones player continued the form on the front nine on Saturday with a birdie at the first before consecutive birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh.

However his climb up the leaderboard took a blow at the 11th with a double bogey six.  But the 22-year-old fought back with birdies at the 14th and 15th.

A bogey on the 17th was recovered with a birdie on the last to sign for a 68 and sit on 13 under par, two shots behind joint-leaders Zander Lombard, Haydn Porteous and Anthony Wall.

40-year-old Wall had birdies on the fourth, ninth, 10th and 13th holes, and will head into Sunday’s final round level on 15 under par along with South African pair Lombard and Porteous.

Lombard had an even more eventful and productive day at the office. The Pretoria-based player, who turns 21 on Monday, posted nine birdies and two bogeys en route to a 65.

And Porteous, having started with an eagle at the par-five first, then ended his third round with two straight birdies to make it a three-way tie at the top after 54 holes.

For Wall, it is a win that matters, although he admits his mentality has changed massively in the last 16 years.

"That's why I play golf now," he said. "To try and make my children proud of me, to try and win as many times as possible.

"At the end of the day I'm father now before I am a golfer, that switched a few years ago and I just want to keep playing for them and my wife so they can be proud of me."

On his round, he added: "I drove the ball well. That was my weakness the first two days, today I was great off the tee. I holed a couple of good long ones, but I also missed three or four I could have holed, so all-in-all it was a good day.

I've got a great chance tomorrow. But they're all good players, some one's going to be a little luckier tomorrow and win, so hopefully it's me - Anthony Wall

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Golfing legend - Christy O'Connor Jnr

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1985 Ryder Cup star and former British Senior Open champion Christy O’Connor Jnr has died at the age of 67.

The Irishman, who turned professional in 1967, was best remembered for helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 1989 when he fired a stunning two-iron to within four feet of the 18th pin to beat Fred Couples and secure a 14-14 draw with the States.

O'Connor, the nephew of golfing great Christy O'Connor, won four times on the European Tour before joining the senior ranks where he won back-to-back British Seniors Open titles on home soil in 1999 and 2000.

In a statement, the Golf Union of Ireland paid tribute to the Galway man, labelling him a 'gentleman, an iconic figure of Irish golf and a true ambassador'.

"He was a pioneer for professional Irish golfers and inspired a generation of players," the organisation added.

O'Connor, who in his latter years was heavily involved in designing over 30 golf courses across Europe, died in his sleep while on holiday in Tenerife.

Fellow-countryman Shane Lowry said: "Very sad news today about Christy O'Connor Jnr. An absolute legend of Irish golf. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour from 2004-2015, said: "It is a very sad day for the O'Connor family and for Ireland as a whole.

"Christy Jnr was a legendary figure and his immense legacy is far more than purely his playing record. He was a universally popular player and always enhanced every tournament he played, no matter the occasion. His infectious charm will be sorely missed."

Ken Schofield, executive director of the European Tour from 1975-2004, said: "Christy Jnr's playing record will rightly depict him as one of Ireland and Europe's leading players of his generation - the generation that set the template for today's global European Tour. 

"Much more so for everyone involved with the Tour and the game of golf, Christy will be remembered as a gentleman spirit - every amateur golfer's dream as the perfect Pro-Am partner, on and off the golf course. It is a very sad day for the game and our hearts go out to Ann and all the extended family."

Speaking in 2010 about his famous victory over Couples, O'Connor Jnr revealed European captain Tony Jacklin had been one of the few people to have faith in one of his three wild card selections.

"It was the greatest and most emotional moment of my professional life," said O'Connor Jnr, who is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Ann and son Nigel. "I'd felt terrible at breakfast that morning because of an article writing me off in one of the Sunday newspapers.

"I felt the pressure it put on me was too much. Tony Jacklin, the captain, was brilliant on the final hole. He said on the 18th tee that if I put the pressure on, Fred wouldn't be able to take it.

"Even though I was miles behind him after the tee shots, Jacko didn't lose faith. 'Put it on the green, I've a feeling that something will happen,' he said.

"Well everyone knows that I played the shot of my life, a two iron from 235 yards that finished four foot from the hole. I guess you could say I did put it on the green and something did happen. I remember looking up to the sky with my arms outstretched and tears ran down my face. It was unforgettable."

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McIlroy Happy with Ugly 68

Rory McIlroy admitted he played some "ugly golf" down the stretch but was happy to begin the DP World Tour Championship with a 68 in Dubai.

McIlroy played with his closest Race to Dubai rival Danny Willett in the season-ending event at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and both were four-under for the day and are two shots off the pace after the first round.

The world No 3 turned in 34 and dropped his only shot of the round after a wild drive at the 10th, but he birdied the next two and then did well to save par at the 17th after chipping from the green to avoid putting through the fringe.

McIlroy was also struggling to save par at the last when he dunked his third into a greenside bunker, but he holed the escape for a welcome birdie before Willett rolled in his fifth birdie putt of the day.

The 26-year-old, who has a lead of just 1,613 points over Willett after an injury-hit campaign, said: "It's nice to get round in 68. I felt like it was a little bit of a struggle at times out there but to finish the way I did makes it feel a lot better. It never really looked like a four on 18. I hit into the bunker off the tee, hit a good lay-up shot but a terrible third.

"It was one of those ones where you just had to get it out and it could trundle its way toward the hole. I knew I could get it close but I was pleased to see it drop in. That was a nice way to finish.

"It was a bit scrappy before that. I bogeyed the 10th hole and then got it back with a couple of good birdies straight away. In between those birdies and the birdie at the last, there was a bit of ugly golf in there.

"But to produce something like that and obviously the way I finished makes it feel a lot better. I'm very close. I hit a lot of good shots out on the course but not as many as you've seen.

"Ball-striking tee to green for the most part has been very good, all throughout the year and it's been the putter that held me back. But I felt like I putted well today, so that bodes well for the next three days."

Willett admitted he had visions of missing his birdie putt after McIlroy's bunker shot, but he calmly holed to keep the pressure on the reigning European No 1.

"It's quite a short week after flying in from China, trying to get your body back on the right time," Willett said. "I had a good couple of days' practice but still would like one more. The two of us didn't play our best but four under will put you right up there.

"I played some pretty decent golf apart from a couple of little scrappy ones in there. Obviously it helped both of us shooting a good number, and you can treat it a little bit like match play in that situation.

"Like I said in the press conference earlier in the week, you don't want to play match play if you're level par or one over par but as soon as you're going along quite nicely, it ended up being a pretty good match."

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Masters Finish Needed by Lawrie

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Peter Lawrie will go into this week’s Portugal Masters knowing that only strong finish - possibly in the top five - will see him avoid another trip to Tour School and secure his playing privileges on the European Tour for next season.

The Dubliner, who is playing on a sponsor’s invite at Vilamoura, currently sits 123rd on the Race to Dubai rankings with only the top 110 earning their cards for the coming year. With €187,296 in the bank, Lawrie is Just over €50,000 behind Chris Paisley in 110th position but would realistically need in the region of €250,000 to be certain of getting his card.

Lawrie, who is not in the field for the final event of the regular season in Hong Kong next week, has only made two cuts in his last six events. And he will need to finish eighth or better in Portugal if he is to move into the top 110.

Lawrie, one of six Irish players in the field with Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Paul Dunne, Michael Hoey and Damien McGrane also taking part, is far from the only player sweating on their cards this week.

Former rookie of the year Ricardo Santos will need to make the most of home advantage this week as he battles to regain his card.

Santos became the first Portuguese player to win on home soil when he triumphed in Madeira in 2012, going on to finish 90th in the Race to Dubai and improving to 65th the following year.

However, the 33-year-old could only finish 116th in 2014 to lose his card and comes into the Portugal Masters a lowly 180th.

Santos, who lives in Vilamoura and is attached to the tournament venue of Oceanico Victoria Golf Course, said: “I’m just worrying about keeping calm and staying focused on my game and we’ll see what happens.

“It could be a good week. I know I have the game to have a good week here. I know the course quite well so who knows? After many years, it’s more comfortable for me to play here in Victoria in the Portugal Masters, with all the Portuguese crowd and family and friends as well. So I think it’s going to be a good week.”

Compatriot Ricardo Gouveia has no such worries after sealing his European Tour card for 2016 thanks to his impressive performances on the Challenge Tour.

The 24 year old is second in the Race to Oman after four top threes in five Challenge Tour events and feels he is ready to make the step up.

“I’m not going to change anything and I’m not going to expect too much of me,” he said. “Just going to play, enjoy, and hopefully I can get some good scores out of this week.

“I’m really looking forward to starting the (2016) season off, and just to play at the highest level of golf in Europe, which was my goal for this year to secure that card for next year. It was awesome that I could secure it in the middle of the season with some good results.”

Last year’s event was reduced to 36 holes due to rain, with France’s Alexander Levywinning on 18 under par after rounds of 63 and 61.

“It was a funny week,” Levy said. “I played only four shots at the weekend and I managed to win the tournament like that. I played some of the best golf of my life. It was a very good week for me. I don’t think this week I’m going to make 18 birdies in 36 holes, because I heard there is a little bit more rough than last year.”

Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer is the favourite as he looks to make up for losing out in a play-off in the Italian Open last month, although his preparation has been less than ideal.

“A friend of mine got married in Los Angeles, so I flew there on Friday, arrived Friday afternoon, stayed Saturday for the wedding and flew out again Sunday and arrived here Monday,” the former world number one said.

“It was a tough one. It’s been a long and tiring week but I slept fairly well last night and we have one more night to go until I have to tee it up tomorrow. And it’s a golf course that I enjoy to play, so with some patience I think I can do well.”

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GMAC Seeks Porsche Success

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Graeme McDowell will look to resurrect his season this week as the Porsche European Open returns to the schedule for the first time since 2009.

McDowell's only top 10 of the year to date came in the Dubai Desert Classic in February and the former world No 4 has fallen to 67th in the rankings.

The 36-year-old has not played competitively since missing the cut in the PGA Championship but has been working hard on his game before getting his campaign for a fifth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance under way at Golf Resort Bad Griesbach.

"I always love coming back to Germany and the European Open is a prestigious event," said the former US Open champion, who was third in this event at the London Club in 2008. "There are some great names on the trophy.

"I'm very happy to be here and I'm looking to resurrect my season; this week is as important for me as any of the past few months have been. I'm starting my 2016 campaign this week and my Ryder Cup campaign. I want to drive myself forward and get myself where I feel I belong.

"Golf is a tough game sometimes and it has felt more difficult this year for me than it has in the past. But it makes you appreciate the good times in the past and I'm looking forward to good times ahead.

"Since Whistling Straits I took two weeks off and didn't touch any clubs and spent some time with the family. Then I've been working pretty hard for three weeks now.

"I've just been resetting and practising and trying to get this ship back on path. I'm playing here, Dunhill [Alfred Dunhill Links Championship], British Masters, Hong Kong and Turkey and hopefully HSBC-Champions."

Home favourite and course designer Bernhard Langer is in the field, along with fellow former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson and American Hunter Mahan.

"It is nice to test myself against the younger players every once in a while," the 58-year-old Langer said. "It's not my goal to play on the European Tour in the long run as I'm very happy on the Champions Tour. I've done the European Tour and PGA Tour for many years and I've done my time.

"I am proud to have this event on a course I designed. We used to play the German Open on a course I designed in Stuttgart so to have this event on another is fantastic."

Fellow German Max Kieffer is looking to make the cut in his 22nd consecutive stroke play event, which would be the longest active streak on the European Tour.

"I'm playing very consistently. I don't really know why," Kieffer said. "It's great. There have been three or five times this year when I've felt like I'm not hitting it well on the range, but every day I wake up I feel I can play good golf. That's what you want for your form, to feel consistent."

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Jack Hume Fires 68 in Austria

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Jack Hume got off to a flying start yesterday in his bid for his European Tour card.

Playing in the first qualifying stage over the Ebreichsdorf course in Austria the young Naas star fired a highly impressive four under par 68 to grab a share of second place after the opening round.

His round was almost flawless as he collected six birdies and just two bogeys.three of his birdies coming in succession from the third.

He finished with six straight pars playing some really clinical golf.

Paul Dunne also in action in Austria carded a 70 which included four birdies and two bogeys.

The Greystones man who jointly led the Open going into the final round disappointingly closed with a bogey five.

Leading the way in Austria on 66 was Os Lengden of Sweden.

Meanwhile at Collingtree Park in Northampton Irishman Clontarf’s Eamonn Bradymade a solid start to his bid for a card returning a level par 72 to be two strokes adrift of leader Paul Reid.

Richard Weldon from Killeen Castle retuned a 74 to remain in the hunt but PaulMcGibney has some work to do after an opening 77.

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McDowell Finds Route 66

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Graeme McDowell enjoyed a welcome return to form on the opening day of the Scottish Open on Thursday.

McDowell’s sole top-10 finish on the European Tour this season came back in February and he missed the cut when bidding for a third successive French Open title last week, a second round of 78 being his worst score in 32 rounds at Le Golf National.

The 35-year-old admitted he needed to “clear his mind” of thoughts about technique and looked to have succeeded with an opening 66 at Gullane, which was marred only by bogeys at the last two holes.

“It’s always disappointing to finish with a couple of bogeys but I played some good stuff today,” said McDowell, who carded four birdies in succession in a front nine of 30 and also birdied the 16th before three-putting the 17th and 18th.

“I drove the ball well and the putter was quite spicy the first 11 or 12 holes before cooling down, but I would have taken 66 before going out and I will take it now.”

McDowell revealed he and coach Pete Cowen had found the solution to his poor form by looking at videos of his swing from 2010, the year he won the US Open at Pebble Beach and holed the winning putt in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

“I’m trying to get back to basics and we have narrowed my stance and used my body to swing the club how I used to,” McDowell added.

“And it was nice to get back on a course that gives you a few opportunities in benign conditions. I just need a few low numbers to get my belief and confidence back and today will go a long way towards that.”

McDowell was by no means the only player to take advantage of the 7,133-yard par-70 composite course, with American pair Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar also finishing four under.

Thorbjorn Olesen had set the clubhouse target on seven under after a flawless 63, with England’s Matthew Nixon, Spain’s Adrian Otaegui and American Ryder Cup player Jimmy Walker on five under.

In a week dominated by Rory McIlroy missing his British Open defence due to an ankle injury suffered playing football, Olesen could sympathise with the world number one after injuring himself getting off a camel in Dubai last year.

“When I had to get down I pulled a muscle in my groin and it took a few weeks before I could walk properly again,” Olesen admitted with a smile.

The 25-year-old also discovered a tendon problem in his left hand over the winter but battled on for four events – missing the cut in the last three – before undergoing surgery at the start of February.

“It’s been a tough time but I keep working on the right things and hopefully it will come,” said Olesen, who lost a play-off for the Mauritius Open in May in his first event back after three months on the sidelines. “I showed today I can still shoot low rounds.

“I hit almost every green – only missing the 18th – and hit a lot of fairways and greens today, which was the key.”

Two birdies in the final five holes helped Pádraig Harrington card a two-under 68

Damien McGrane was in the clubhouse after a round of 69

Michael Hoey signed for a level-par 72.

Paul McGinley got off to a disastrous start, finding himself on four over after two holes following a triple bogey on the opening hole and a bogey on the second to end Thursday on a six-over 76.

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