With the Dubai Invitational, Rory McIlroy has enjoyed an incredible start to his DP World Tour career. With a score of nine under par during the first round of the competition, he has secured the top spot. But after taking the top slot, he will now play against golf icon Tiger Woods!
The 16-time DP World Tour winner is off to a great start in his season’s opening match. The Dubai Invitational, in McIlroy’s opinion, is a fantastic way to ease into 2024. But this optimistic view has undoubtedly improved his performance, offering him an opportunity to overtake the 48-year-old.
Rory McIlroy has finished with a 35-hole lead after winning the Dubai Invitational’s first round. Tiger Woods is seated next to him at this number. Thus, the Irish golfer has an opportunity to overtake him. And on January 18, when he competes in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, he can do it once more in the comfort of his favorite location—Dubai.
Rory McIlroy will consider it a great accomplishment to surpass the American golfer. The fact that he tied the 27-year-old Woods record in his 16-year professional career is a remarkable accomplishment in and of itself.
However, a significant contributing element to equal this record is the 48-year-old’s ailment and his nearly two-year absence. And because he’s been playing fewer events, Tiger Woods has stagnated at 35 first-round leads.
On the other hand, there are numerous statistics that support Tiger Woods. He is still aiming to play in just one event every month while he heals from surgery and gives supporters hope with his one-in-a-million shot.
Although McIlroy and Woods have equal first-round leads, Woods leads him in total wins—the American has won 19 to McIlroy’s 5—a fairly sizable difference that indicates that although McIlroy has a strong start like Woods, he is unable to capitalize on it. Additionally, Woods remains the all-time greatest golfer to win PGA Tour events.
At the Genesis Invitational, Tiger Woods is anticipated to compete next. Rory McIlroy, however, has one opportunity to overtake him in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic first-round leads.