It has been an eventful Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship for Rory McIlroy through the first three days of the tournament. McIlroy began the tournament with a controversy, as he was penalized two strokes on Thursday after attempting to improve his lie on hole 12. McIlroy later claimed the situation was an accident. On Friday, McIlroy bounced back and shot a 63 while recording 11 birdies. He shot a 67 on Saturday and is now just two strokes back of Jon Rahm's lead, per GOLF.com.
Jon Rahm is 18 holes away from a victory in Abu Dhabi. 🇪🇸
A Round 3 (66) puts him at 18-under and one clear of Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Laporta, with Rory McIlroy two back.
Sunday's going to be fun. pic.twitter.com/nKRxFM4qm7
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) November 7, 2026
Rahm is -18 heading into Sunday. Meanwhile, Francesco Laporta and Tyrrell Hatton are both -17. McIlroy is at -16 under, which is quite impressive after his two-stroke penalty on Thursday led to him finishing the round with a 70. He's gotten back on track over the past two days and is now in a position to make a run on the final day.
Rory McIlroy has already had a tremendous year. He won the Masters for the second consecutive season on the PGA Tour. He'd love to add another win this weekend while playing on the DP World Tour.
McIlroy revealed his “goal” for Sunday as he attempts to surpass Rahm and win the tournament, via DP World Tour.
Article Continues Below“If I can just limit the mistakes, there's enough good golf,” McIlroy said. “There's enough birdies. There's enough opportunities… If I can play a clean round of golf tomorrow, I won't be too far away.
“… I'm going to have to go out and shoot a low one, something in the mid to low 60s to get it done tomorrow, and that will be the goal.”
It should be an exciting final day of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.