Rory McIlroy has cause to enter the high court in Dublin on Tuesday with a spring in his step after claiming the Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy, who is involved in a multimillion-pound dispute with his former management company, proved again how such affairs have not impacted on his professional life with a second win at the Emirates Club. He had a final round of 70 for a 22-under-par aggregate, ensuring a three-shot success over Alex Noren.
A fascinating spell for the Northern Irishman awaits. His high-profile legal battle aside, he will head to the United States for what will most likely be three tournament appearances before the Masters. Should he prevail at Augusta National in April, McIlroy will have achieved a full set of major championship successes at the age of just 25. McIlroy has now been priced up as short as 6-1 to take the Masters title, which is an acknowledgement of his current touch.
“I’ll keep it ticking over,” McIlroy said. “It will be nice to get back in the States, get in my own house and get into a routine of practice and stuff. I don’t mind that the Masters is still a couple of months away. I feel like I can keep this run of form going and there’s no reason why I shouldn’t. I’m comfortable with my game. I’m happy with how I’m swinging it and just a matter of keeping on top of things and not getting complacent and working hard.
“That was the objective coming to the Middle East just after the new year. I wanted to get at least one win going heading to the States and getting into the sort of big part of the season. It’s great to get that win and coming off a good performance in Abu Dhabi as well, I have got some confidence and momentum on my side heading into the next couple months.”
McIlroy laughed when the subject of his upcoming court appearance was raised. “Let me enjoy this for a couple of hours,” he replied. He was fully entitled to offer that response.
McIlroy rarely looked troubled or under pressure during day four in Dubai. Stephen Gallacher completed a fine defence of the title he had won in 2013 and 2014, finishing third. Martin Kaymer signed for a 64 to form part of a five-way tie for fourth. Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood were among those to share ninth.
“I did what I needed to do,” said McIlroy, who had finished second in his previous three European Tour appearances. “It wasn’t the best round that I’ve played this year but I got the job done and that’s the most important thing.
“It’s not a bad thing, I guess, finishing second, but it’s not really what you want. I had chances to win and wasn’t able to capitalise on a couple of them. I sat here on Wednesday saying that I didn’t want to finish second any more, and it’s nice to be able to get the victory and sort of back up what I say with my performance on the course.”
McIlroy, asked whether he is at the peak of his powers, said: “It’s definitely the most consistent. I haven’t had a run like this before … Am I at the peak of my powers? I’d like to think that I could still get better. I’d like to think that I can still improve in certain areas. But right now I’m very happy with where my game is, and as I said, I feel like each week I turn up, I have a chance to win.”
Gallacher was understandably content with his own performance. “This has been a good hunting ground for me,” the Scot said. “It was another good week. I’m delighted with the week. Obviously it was tough out there today, tough to chase the world’s No1 from so far back. I was kind of playing for second place, so I’m delighted with my performance.”
