Rory McIlroy receives an apology from the PGA president after Ryder Cup abuse from US fans

McIlroy said he did not want the crowd scenes to overshadow Europe’s impressive performance, particularly in the four-a-side and four-ball sessions.

He can look back on what he calls “the golf season of his life,” which brought with it the long-awaited Grand Slam with his victory at the Masters as well as victories at the Players Championship, Pebble Beach and the Irish Open.

McIlroy is now targeting success here in Abu Dhabi as well as the season finale at the DP World Tour Championship next week in Dubai.

He is in pole position for a seventh Race to Dubai title but is only slightly ahead of Englishman Marco Ping.

“I remember trying to win my first race in Dubai in 2009 and facing Lee Westwood in those last two events,” McIlroy said.

“I was motivated, hungry and really wanted to do it and I’m sure that’s exactly how Marco feels. So it’s going to be an exciting couple of weeks.”

Upon his return to the Middle East, McIlroy was in a good mood after his huge success during the year that began in the UAE at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

“I think initially back in January 2025 when I was last here and everything that has happened since then,” he said.

“Honestly, in my wildest dreams, I didn’t know. I mean, I knew a year like this was possible, but it’s just been an amazing 10 months.”