Rory McIlroy Faces Driving Contest at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Rory McIlroy will be the clear favorite when he tees off at this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, but he will face an unusual challenge. He won't be the longest hitter in his group on Thursday at the DP World Tour event.
Matchup with Marco Penge
McIlroy will be paired with Marco Penge, an English golfer who has secured three DP World Tour titles in 2025. With both players excelling in driving distance, a driving contest between them seems inevitable, especially with media focusing on this aspect ahead of the tournament.
Driving Distance Stats
- McIlroy averages 320.3 yards in driving distance this season.
- Penge’s average stands at 319.19 yards.
- Nicolai Hojgaard leads the category with a 321.5-yard average.
Effectiveness Off the Tee
What distinguishes McIlroy and Penge is the efficiency of their long drives. Penge ranks second in strokes gained off the tee (+1.06), narrowly trailing Jon Rahm, who has played fewer tournaments this season.
Players’ Perspectives
“I don’t know,” Penge said on Tuesday when asked who would hit it longer.
The two will play together for the first time as the top contenders in the season-long Race to Dubai standings, adding intrigue to this ‘game within a game’.
Author’s Summary: Rory McIlroy, favored at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, faces a strong challenge from Marco Penge in driving contests, with both golfers showcasing impressive distance and accuracy.