Ace Mcilroy keeps pace with cool Kaymer during round 2 of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
Rory McIlroy sank his first ever hole-in-one as he battled to keep pace with Abu Dhabi legend Martin Kaymer in the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship today. Three-time champion Kaymer, out at 07.40 am, gave another masterclass in playing The National. The overnight leader birdied the first, on the way to a bogey-free five-under 67, which gave him a clubhouse lead of 13-under.
The masterful German reached an incredible century milestone with his latest round; he now stands at 100-under par in his last 30 rounds over Abu Dhabi’s National course.
He also knows his tournament record of 24-under is within his sights, saying, “I will give it my best to get to the 20s.”
Towering Thomas Pieters’ six birdies saw him draw level with Kaymer until a bogey on the ninth, his last, meant he just missed out on a share of the lead at the halfway point. The 6 foot, 6 1/4 inch tall Belgian will be go into Saturday just one shot off at 12-under, hoping his massive drive will keep him in contention for a maiden Tour win.
Rory McIlroy got the crowds roaring with his ace on the par-3 15th, his first in professional play. As his 177-yard nine-iron rolled into the hole, the Northern Irish star raised his arms aloft as the largest gallery of the day went wild. He gave them more to cheer on the 18th green, with a birdie to finish on 66, six-under for the day and just two off the pace for the Championship.
Pleased as he was with his maiden ace, McIlroy said its main importance was in keeping pace with Kaymer. “It was unexpected. It’s something to put down as a nice little bonus. It got me a couple closer to Martin and that’s really what I wanted.”
With Miguel Angel Jimenez and Tom Lewis also holing aces yesterday, the Championship is on course for an unexpected milestone – a possible matching of the European Tour record of six holes-in-one in one tournament.
McIlroy’s playing partner Ricky Fowler struggled. A wayward drive led to a triple bogey eight on the eighth. Further bogeys on 11 and 15 put him in danger of missing the cut but he held steady to finish at two-under for the Championship and will be back on Saturday morning. He will be joined by stars including Justin Rose, Jimenez, Charl Schwarzel and Victor Dubuisson.
2013 Champion Jamie Donaldson finished the day at four-under for the Championship while Robert Rock, Champion in 2012, birdied the 18th to make the cut.
Another beautiful sunny day, with temperatures in the mid-20s and a light breeze cooling players and fans alike, made it a perfect outing for the Abu Dhabi crowds. Friday, the first day of Abu Dhabi’s weekend, is traditionally the most popular day for families and friends to enjoy the golf at the Championship and this year was no different.
Fans in the Championship Village enjoyed an insight into life on the Ladies European Tour during a Q&A with young starlets Mel Reid and Carly Booth, who earlier in the day hosted a Ladies Day golf clinic at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Ryder Cup hero Dubuisson also got involved in the off-course Q&A action, whilst Kaymer made a surprise appearance to sign autographs.
Continuing the sporting theme, children in the HSBC World of Sport were treated to tennis tips and tricks from sporting legend and HSBC Ambassador Tim Henman on the mini Wimbledon court. Rugby heroes Brian O’Driscoll, George Gregan and Gavin Hastings were also on hand to meet fans throughout the day.
Ahmed Al Musharrekh, the young Emirati, improved on his first day score, with a five-over 77 leaving him at 11-over. He missed the cut, along with 2014 Champion Pablo Larrazabal, 2006 Champion Chris DiMarco, Abu Dhabi favourite Matteo Manassero and world number two Henrik Stenson.
Sharjah-born Al Musharrekh was happy with the support he received from the Abu Dhabi galleries on his fourth Championship appearance.
“I’ve had a fantastic welcome each year I’ve played here. I’m so proud to fly the flag for the UAE and the support I’ve received this year encourages me to redouble my efforts for next year.”
The Championship is poised for an exciting final two days. Kaymer’s many successes in Abu Dhabi put him firmly in the driving seat but McIlroy in particular will want to lose his tag of the perennial runner up. The thousands of fans flocking to The National tomorrow and Sunday are sure of a spectacle worthy of the Falcon Trophy’s 10th outing.
McIlroy agreed: “Martin has got a phenomenal record around here, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start the season than to test yourself against one of the best players in the world, two‑time major champion, who plays this course really, really well. So I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2015 is presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and runs at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from until 18 January. Tickets are still available via the event’s official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com at AED50 for a daily pass and AED150 for a four-day pass. Guests staying at any Abu Dhabi hotel over the Championship period enter free.
