# McIlroy makes strong start in bid to equal Montgomerie’s record

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mcilroy-makes-strong-start-in-bid-to-equal-montgomeries-record/
- Published: 2026-11-12T14:13:27+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T15:42:28+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/articles/cwlymny900ezo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- McIlroy is two shots off the lead after a three-under 69.
- He is bidding for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
- Chacarra leads the standings by 533.93 points.

## Summary

Rory McIlroy opened the DP World Tour Championship with a three-under-par 69, putting him two shots behind leader Joost Luiten and in contention for the title. He is also chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai crown, matching Colin Montgomerie’s mark, and a fifth successive season-long triumph.

McIlroy made five birdies and two bogeys in windy conditions, including a birdie at the last after taking six at the par-five 14th. Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra is 533.93 points ahead of McIlroy, with 2,000 points available to the winner; both can secure the season title with victory. Luiten shot 67, one ahead of Jacob Skov Olesen, while Chacarra finished level par and Patrick Reed shot 75.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.