Rory McIlroy on Competing with Marco Penge for Driving Distance
Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion, enters the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as the favorite. Yet, for once, he might not be the longest hitter in his group at the DP World Tour event this Thursday.
McIlroy will be paired with Marco Penge, a powerful British golfer who has earned three DP World Tour titles in 2025. Their matchup promises attention, not least because both are known for their dominating drives off the tee.
Statistically, McIlroy edges Penge in average driving distance this season with 320.3 yards compared to Penge’s 319.19 yards. The longest average belongs to Nicolai Hojgaard at 321.5 yards. Still, McIlroy’s precision and Penge’s efficiency both play defining roles in their success.
Penge ranks second in strokes gained off the tee (+1.06), only a fraction behind Jon Rahm, who has participated in fewer tournaments. As the two leaders in the Race to Dubai standings prepare to face each other for the first time, their competitive spirit is unmistakable.
“I don’t know,” Penge said when asked who would hit it farther. “Obviously I want to be past him and I’m sure he wants to be hitting it past me.”
Author Summary
Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge will bring skill and rivalry to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as two of golf’s longest and most competitive drivers.
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