Rory McIlroy says he’d be focused completely on trying to win a second Dubai Desert Classic title, this week rather than thinking about his upcoming date in a Dublin court.
The world number one has fond memories of recording his first win as a professional in what is the oldest golf tournament in the Middle East, and, having finished second in his last three starts on the European Tour, McIlroy is hoping to go one better and add to his 2009 title in the desert.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the tournament, McIlroy said: “One win here at the Emirates, but seems every time I come here I have a chance and I play well. It’s a great way to start the season.
“I’ve done this the last few years where I’ve played Abu Dhabi, taken another week off to practise and then come here and play in Dubai.
“Looking forward to the week. The course is in fantastic shape. The greens are as good as I’ve ever seen them, and I feel like my game is in good shape.
“I’m very happy with where my game is tee‑to‑green and I put some good work in over the last week on my short game, which I felt needed a little bit of sharpening up from Abu Dhabi.
“I’ve got four days to try and get back on the victory trail and feels like a long time since my last win.â€
On his legal battle with his former management company, which is expected to reach a conclusion in the next couple of weeks, McIlroy said he has consciously tried not to think about it.
“To be honest, I’ve been concentrating on my golf and practice and that stuff is much more important to me than what’s going to happen next week,†said the 25-year-old from Northern Ireland.
“After this tournament’s over, I’ll have to do my homework a little bit but at the same time, I’m fully focused on this event and golf and try and do the best I can this week.
“Of course I will be relieved when this is over. It’s not something that I would want anyone to go through. It’s a very sort of tedious and nasty process at times.
“I’m going to be heading to the States regardless with it off my mind and not having to deal with it or think about it anymore.
“It will be nice once it’s over and done with.â€
McIlroy has been paired with former world number one Martin Kaymer and England’s Andy Sullivan for the first two rounds in Dubai.