Thriston Lawrence makes a claim about how good he thinks Rory McIlroy really is ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

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Thriston Lawrence is Rory McIlroy’s closest rival heading into the penultimate week of the DP World Tour season, with the South African going into the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship second in the Race to Dubai standings.

It has been a fantastic year for Thriston Lawrence, with second place finishes on the DP World Tour at the Dubai Invitational, the Jonsson Workwear Open, the European Open, the British Masters and the BMW PGA Championship. And yet, the 27-year-old still finds himself behind Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy’s year will obviously be most remembered for what happened at the US Open in June, when he narrowly missed out on his fifth major title. However, 2024 has been an exceptional year for the Northern Irishman, with three victories worldwide.

McIlroy also boasts a commanding lead in the Race to Dubai, and is on course to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the sixth time.

Thirston Lawrence lauds Rory McIlroy ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Lawrence has been grouped with McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard for the first two rounds at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. And ahead of the event, he issued his verdict on how high he rates McIlroy.

“Yeah, I haven’t played with Rory to be honest. Played with him that one hole in a playoff at Wentworth. Really, really excited. I think he’s probably the best golfer golf has seen the last 15 years consistently,” he said.

“That’s sort of where I see myself going forward is being so consistent every year and contending on both tours. And Rasmus, good player, nice guy, as well, so very excited for the next few days.”

Where McIlroy ranks for the most Harry Vardon Trophy wins

The Harry Vardon Trophy is now awarded to the winner of the Race to Dubai, having previously been won by the winner of the Order of Merit.

Eight players have won the trophy on three or more occasions, with McIlroy on course to move to himself to six wins this year. But where does the 35-year-old rank amongst the greats of the European Tour?

McIlroy could put himself alongside Seve Ballesteros should he clinch the crown again this year. Equalling anything the Spaniard achieved during the career is a real statement. And many will surely back McIlroy to overtake Colin Montgomerie at some stage.

It certainly helps highlight why Lawrence put him at the top over the last 15 years. While McIlroy has gone a decade without winning a major, there is no doubt that he is one of the all-time greats.