Rahm takes lead at Abu Dhabi Championship

On 5 November, Rory McIlroy was assessed a two stroke penalty on the 12th at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship for improving his lie. The DP World Tour said he breached rule 8.1b(4) by pressing his club on the ground behind the ball, changing what he thought was a six into a quadruple bogey eight. McIlroy signed for a two under 70, eight shots behind leader Francesco Laporta, and said there was no intent.

On 6 November, McIlroy made 11 birdies to shoot a 9 under 63, moving to 11 under after two rounds. He was one shot behind co leaders Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm and Francesco Laporta after the first round penalty. McIlroy said he did not dwell on the penalty and is chasing Eugenio Chacarra in the Race to Dubai.

On 7 November, Rahm shot a 6 under 66 to take a one shot lead at 18 under 198. McIlroy, who shared the lead, made bogey at No. 17 and finished two shots back on a 67. Hatton and Laporta are one shot behind, while Adam Scott is 15 under in fifth after a bogey free 66.