Rory McIlroy was undoubtedly the man of the moment heading into the DP World Tour Championship, and he certainly lived up to that reputation in Dubai.
McIlroy led the Race to Dubai rankings ahead of the DP World Tour finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates Golf & Country Club, comfortably ahead of Thriston Lawrence in second.
But he still had plenty of work to do to avoid a major upset, which was possible only if McIlroy finished outside the top 11 and Lawrence won the event.
The chance of that scenario quickly diminished in Dubai, with the Northern Irishman enjoying a superb start and simply keeping the momentum going.
Fortunately we were on hand to watch the four-time major champion up close, having taken in McIlroy’s DP World Tour Championship second round live.
What Rory McIlroy did during his DP World Tour Championship second round
Like many others, McIlroy began his day putting on the practice green upon arrival at Jumeirah Golf Estates, although the world number three also made use of the practice bunkers.
He was certainly in a relaxed mood before getting his round underway, having carded an opening round 67 to share the lead with Tyrrell Hatton on five under.
The superb start will have eased the pressure on his shoulders, along with the struggles of his nearest rival Lawrence, who was in a tie for 37th.
READ MORE: Who is Rory McIlroy? A closer look at one of the greatest golfers of all time
McIlroy’s bunker work, often carried out without a glove, was certainly required given the nature of the course, although he then put the grind in on the range before heading to the first tee with playing partner Hatton.
And after a friendly chat with the Englishman, he fizzed his effort straight down the fairway to help clinch an opening birdie, which was quickly followed by two more.
What were the conditions at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai?
There was a gentle breeze in Dubai during Friday’s second round at Jumeirah Golf Estates, but the Earth Course was in pristine condition, really living up to its reputation of grandeur and class.
A sweltering 30 degrees plus was also at play, although the likes of McIlroy and Hatton are of course well used to such conditions by now given their participation on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf respectively.
As always, the former garnered a huge following on every hole, with fans swarming to get a glimpse of the multiple major champion in action.
And that certainly wasn’t a surprise, with such ball striking truly a joy to behold when witnessed up close, showing just how much talent and hard work are on display.
Those keeping tabs in on McIlroy were made to stay light on their feet given his quick pace of play, although there was a brief stoppage after his 10th tee shot, with the 35-year-old sending a lengthy glare into the crowd after his effort went way left.
A bogey was rescued, with the Northern Irishman’s struggles for the day ending there as he finished round two with a three-under 69.
Will Rory McIlroy end his major drought in 2025?
With the success, McIlroy clinched his sixth Race to Dubai title, moving level with Seve Ballesteros and two behind all-time leader Colin Montgomerie.
It was also his fourth title of the season, having emerged victorious at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour.
READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy did at the DP World Tour Championship which Tiger Woods would often struggle with
But it was another season in which he failed to win an elusive fifth major championship, with his drought now moving beyond a decade.
His new swing technique could, however, change his fortunes in 2025, while a change in the caddie department is increasingly unlikely despite calls for McIlroy to part ways with Harry Diamond after his US Open nightmare.
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