Rory McIlroy opens DP World Tour Championship with 69 to boost bid for record-tying Race to Dubai title

Rory McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship on November 12, 2026 with a 3-under 69, placing him third and two strokes behind first-round leader Joost Luiten. McIlroy is among the strongest contenders in the Race to Dubai standings and a strong finish could earn him a record-tying Race to Dubai title. The tournament is being held at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.