Rory McIlroy has confessed that receiving a knighthood would be an “unbelievably massive honour” after transforming the Race to Dubai title battle into a one-horse race. The Masters champion sits eight shots ahead of his nearest rival, Marco Penge, following his opening round of 66 at the DP World Tour Championships.
The five-time Major victor is attempting to secure the European No.1 spot for a fourth straight year – and the seventh time overall. There are mounting demands for the Northern Irishman, 36, to receive an even greater accolade after achieving his career Grand Slam and guiding Europe to a triumphant Ryder Cup victory in the United States.
Andy Murray received his knighthood in 2019 following three Grand Slam triumphs, whilst David Beckham, now 50, finally collected the honour at Windsor Castle last week, 12 years after hanging up his boots, reports The Mirror.
When questioned by Sky Sports regarding a possible knighthood during his post-round interview, McIlroy declared: “Look, if that were ever to happen, it would be an unbelievably massive honour.
“That’s obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me. But I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life.”
McIlroy enjoyed an impressive start to his opening round in Dubai, recording birdies in his first three holes en route to his 15th score of 66 or better on the Earth Course. This positioned McIlroy two shots behind the leader, Michael Kim.
“I got off to the perfect start,” McIlroy added. “I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I’ve had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I feel like I don’t want to sound like I’m that disappointed but I feel like I left a few out there. I missed a couple of short ones.
“Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I’m very comfortable on and historically I’ve played very well on.”
Penge, McIlroy’s closest challenger in the Race to Dubai, must secure a top-two finish to maintain any hopes of claiming the season-long honour. However, the world No. 29 struggled with five dropped shots in his disappointing two-over 74, leaving him tied 46th in the 52-strong field.
Meanwhile, Tyrrell Hatton, who requires victory to leapfrog McIlroy, opened with a 70 to sit tied 22nd. Ryder Cup colleague Tommy Fleetwood trails the leader by just one stroke following his flawless 65.
“I feel like it was a really good day,” said Fleetwood, who won the FedEx Cup earlier this year. “I drove it as well as I’ve driven it all year.”
