Rory McIlroy gives response to who is the longer hitter this week
Rory McIlroy enters this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as the leading favorite, though he finds himself in an unusual situation: he might not be the biggest hitter in his group during the DP World Tour event.
Showdown in the UAE
The five-time major champion is paired with English power hitter Marco Penge, who has claimed three DP World Tour titles in 2025. Their pairing adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans eager to see who will dominate off the tee.
Statistical comparison
- Rory McIlroy’s driving distance average: 320.3 yards
- Marco Penge’s driving distance average: 319.19 yards
- Nicolai Hojgaard leads the category with 321.5 yards
While McIlroy has a slight statistical edge in distance, Penge’s efficiency stands out. He ranks second in strokes gained off the tee (+1.06), just behind Jon Rahm by one-hundredth of a point, despite Rahm having played fewer events.
Competitors’ reactions
As both players prepare to face each other for the first time this season, they share the top two positions in the Race to Dubai standings.
“I don’t know,” Penge said when asked on Tuesday about who will hit it farther.
Author’s Summary
McIlroy remains the favorite at Abu Dhabi, but his power off the tee faces a real challenge from Penge, setting the stage for one of the most compelling matchups of the tournament.