Rory relishing Tiger battles

Rory McIlroy expects to have plenty more battles with Tiger Woods this year following the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The Holywood golfer had only played twice with Woods before last week. But that figure has trebled, with the US Open winning duo playing a practice round and the opening three rounds in Abu Dhabi together.

And at the end of the tournament won by England’s Robert Rock, just a stroke separated McIlroy, who finished second, from Woods, tied in third place. Leaving Abu Dhabi, McIlroy predicted spending more time in Woods’ company throughout the season.

“It would have been nice to play with Tiger in the final round in Abu Dhabi and it might have given me that little added spur to have maybe won the event,” said McIlroy. “But after playing a practice round and three competition rounds alongside Tiger I hope I can play more in his company this year.

“It seems from what we’ve seen this week that Tiger is back to playing his best and I guess if I am playing alongside him them I’m doing alright, as well. When Tiger’s playing in an event he’s the name you’re looking for on the leaderboard.”

And after Rock became the latest player to go 18 rounds with Woods and come out in front, McIlroy had some advice for others who may come up against the 14-time Major winner.

“I know I feel very comfortable in Tiger’s company and I don’t think it takes very long to get comfortable around him,” said McIlroy. “Besides, Tiger seems a pretty laidback guy once you get to know him that little bit better. And anyway you can’t let anyone out there intimidate you as you want to play your best golf without anyone getting inside your head.”

While Woods headed straight back to his Florida abode, McIlroy was taking the hour-long drive north to neighbouring Dubai. McIlroy has a two-day photo promotional shoot with sponsor Oakley before hitting the practice range at both the Els and Emirates Club ahead of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on February 9.

McIlroy has moved back up to number two in the world after finishing runner-up in Abu Dhabi and Graeme McDowell is up two spots to 11th after sharing third place with Woods, who jumped from 25th to 17th.

However, Pádraig Harrington continues his slide down the rankings and is now ranked 90th despite playing all four rounds in the UAE capital.

And Darren Clarke, who has sacked his British Open winning caddie John Mulrooney, is down two spots to 52nd.