Rory McIlroy Gets a Thrill Ride Ahead of Abu Dhabi Championship
Rory McIlroy briefly set aside his golf clubs and stepped into a race car before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. The 36-year-old Masters champion, competing in the opening stage of the Middle East play-offs, took this opportunity for an adrenaline-filled break.
As the five-time major winner continues his pursuit of a seventh order of merit title—potentially moving closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record—he joined professional race driver Francesco Pardini for a high-speed experience before the $9 million DP World Tour event began.
High-Speed Challenge at Yas Marina
McIlroy’s heart rate was monitored in real time using data from a WHOOP fitness tracker, a brand he both invests in and represents. Despite arriving jetlagged and running on just six hours of sleep, the Northern Irishman pushed through as the car hit speeds exceeding 200 mph.
His heart rate spiked to over 100 bpm, and after encouraging Pardini to drive faster during their initial laps, McIlroy could not hide his mix of exhilaration and exhaustion.
"I'm exhausted, I don't know about you," he said. "I'm buzzing after that, by the way, that was really cool."
Adrenaline Beyond the Golf Course
Though McIlroy is no stranger to pressure on the golf course, this high-speed thrill on the Yas Marina F1 track tested a whole other kind of composure and excitement.
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Author’s Summary
Rory McIlroy swapped the greens for speed, experiencing a rush at over 200 mph before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, showcasing his trademark competitiveness in a thrilling new setting.