Rory McIlroy shot down a drone with an incredible shot on the practice range at the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi. The 35-year-old shot a stunning final-round 62 to finish tied for third and just shy of winning the Harry Varden Trophy.
During the match in Abu Dhabi, McIlroy teamed up with former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale for a unique challenge on the pitch. Their mission was to hit a drone flying overhead, and it didn't take long for McIlroy to deliver the goods.
Bell, an avid golfer, got close several times before McIlroy hit the drone and spun it out of the air. The two sports legends cheered and then shook hands in celebration, with Bale declaring: “Let's go home, it's over.”
McIlroy finished tied for third at the HSBC Championship after a strong final round at Yas Links. He finished three shots behind eventual winner Paul Waring, who won his first DP World Tour title in more than six years.
The result all but secures McIlroy at the top of the table heading into the Battle of Dubai, with second-placed Triston Lawrence some 1,800 points behind the Northern Irishman ahead of next week's season finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Reflecting on the standings after the penultimate race of the season, McIlroy said: “I definitely feel like I'm in a good spot. I saw Triston charge today and I've been watching the standings and keeping an eye on him What are you doing? I saw 20 posts from him.
“Every shot counts at this moment and I'm happy to be in the last four to at least give myself half a chance in this week's games and also give myself a bit more of a cushion when we head to Dubai next week. , because brilliantly.”
Another victory for McIlroy would put him two behind Colin Montgomerie's record eight titles won between 1993 and 2005. McIlroy recently explained that he was motivated by the idea of breaking the record before ultimately retiring.
“I want to be the most successful European ever,” McIlroy said. “Obviously the Race to Dubai win will count towards that, but also the big championships.
“Hopefully I'll have more Ryder Cups. I think that's a goal that's totally achievable in the next 10 years.”
