DESERT STORM: McIlroy, Rahm set for top-level battle in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will mount a battle of the No. 1 players on the DP World Tour and LIV Golf Tour in the $9-million Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which begins Thursday.

McIlroy won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November for his third successive Race to Dubai title.

In September, Spain’s Rahm had secured the season-long Individual Championship of LIV Golf when he won the last of the regular events in Chicago.

In the absence of Official World Golf Ranking points for the Saudi Arabia-backed league, the former world No.1’s ranking has fallen to 31.

McIlroy is aiming for his third successive Dubai Desert Classic win, and fifth overall, while Rahm is making his tournament debut.

The 30-year-old Northern Irishman has an exceptional record in the emirate though, having won the DP World Tour Championship title three times.

“It’s always been nice to start my year in Dubai. It’s something that I’ve done most of my professional career,” McIlroy said.

“The last couple of years, to come here to Dubai, open the season and have success, is a really strong start to the season. Obviously, that’s the plan again this year.”

McIlroy was vocal about his opposition to LIV Golf, but the two European Ryder Cup stars have remained good friends through everything.

However, the recent, and yet to be officially confirmed, news that Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin is moving to LIV Golf — and to Rahm’s team — will add an edge to their relationship.

The 22-year-old McKibbin happens to be a member of McIlroy’s home club in Hollywood and has been supported by the four-time major champion since his junior days.

McIlroy admitted he was “slightly disappointed” with McKibbin’s decision but revealed that the youngster had often spoken to him about the issue.

McIlroy said McKibbin, who he has known since he was 10, had called him in New Zealand as soon as he received the offer from LIV.

“And I talked to him multiple times over the course of December to get a feel for what he was thinking. All I can do is give my perspective.”

“He’s got a ton of potential. I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making.”

“Working so hard to get your Tour card in the States (he was one of 10 players from DP World Tour to secure his PGA Tour card), I thought what he is potentially sacrificing and giving up — like access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot — is massive.”