But first, a small Golf board

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — the most recent stop for Jordan Spieth on his tour of the playing world is that the Mideast associated an thirstily anticipated head to move with Rory McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in the week.



It looks that 2 of the sport's biggest names have clashed before the primary tee shot has even been stricken.

For some pre-tournament message, Spieth and McIlroy were among those participating during a "Rider Cup" challenge that enclosed riding motorized golf scooters — questionable GolfBoards — on a fairway on a neighborhood course within the gulf emirate.

"It was quite competitive," McIlroy same with a smile. "Actually, Jordan nearly took Pine Tree State out. we have a tendency to collided halfway down the green — fortunately I did not fall off."

On weekday, it'll be McIlroy making an attempt to knock the top-ranked Spieth out of his stride.

Fresh off associate eight-stroke win in Hawaii on his 2016 debut that secured his sensational 2015, Spieth can build his unveiling during a regular European Tour event once he joins McIlroy and Rickie Fowler during a stellar three-ball for the primary 2 rounds at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

For No. 3-ranked McIlroy, it'll be a primary begin of the year and an opportunity to examine his biggest rival up shut.

"I do not play the sport on (laying down) markers in the slightest degree," McIlroy same. "I need to play my best, and that i do not have to merely beat Jordan Spieth in the week. I actually have to beat another 142 guys."

Since McIlroy last compete competitively, in winning the planet Tour Championship to clinch the eu Tour's Race to port, Spieth has competed in Australia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Hawaii. What has become a virtual international tour for golf's new huge factor started in October with the President's Cup in Asian country associated continues along with his Mideast debut in Abu Dhabi and an look at the Singapore Open next week.

"It's somewhat exhausting," same the 22-year-old Spieth. In fact, he looked as bouncy and excitable as ever weekday.

"Last year, I reasonably needed a lot of of an occasion. This year I reasonably needed to travel out and make the most of the year and see places that I had ne'er seen before, on and off the course."

While Spieth has been motion, McIlroy underwent — and has been convalescent from — optical maser eye surgery that he hopes can improve his short game and golf stroke. He emerged from a two-month winter split every week of observe in port last week, and says he's invigorated and refocussed.

After four second best finishes in Abu Dhabi, together with the last 2 years, McIlroy needs to require the additional step in the week to relinquish him momentum at the beginning of a seven-tournament stretch before the Masters at Augusta National, wherever he can bid yet again to finish the career slam of majors.