Rory McIlroy returns to the DP World Tour Championship for the 13th time as he targets a third win at the Earth course following his victories here in 2012 and 2015. The Northern Irishman has enjoyed a stellar season on the DP World Tour, winning back-to-back Rolex Series events in Dubai and Scotland, his 15th and 16th wins on the European-based circuit, to lead the Race to Dubai Rankings. Finished fourth here last season – his tenth top ten finish at the event –  en route to winning the Harry Vardon Trophy for a fourth time, just three months after being crowned FedExCup champion.

Did you know?

Rory named his first dog after Ernie Els, calling it Theo (Els’ first name)