Rory McIlroy finally plays ace card at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

After more than 500 rounds of European Tour competition, Rory McIlroy recorded his first hole-in-one on day two of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

McIlroy celebrated the 10th anniversary of the event when his 177-yard 9-iron shot pitched three foot left of the flag at the par three, 15th hole but then kicked right before running into the hole.

There was no prize of a new car, cash or champagne for the World No. 1, just the honour on the next tee ahead of a superb birdie at the last in a round of a six under par 66 to move into third place at 11-under par.