‘I’ve turned a corner since Ryder Cup’: Rory McIlroy raring to go in Abu Dhabi

Depending on who you talk to, professional golf has either never had it so good or is on the brink of being torn apart by Saudi Arabians bearing gifts. The proposed Saudi-backed Super Golf League would bestow millions on those willing to break from established tours. It is the talk of the range at Yas Links as the European Tour – now DP World Tour – season gets under way and where Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland head a stellar field.

McIlroy has long since made clear his disdain for all things Saudi. His commitment instead is to this and the PGA Tour. On the eve of his restart, the Northern Irishman made the case for golf in existing form. “Honestly, I don’t think it [the European Tour] has ever been in a healthier position,” McIlroy said. “I think the alliance with the PGA Tour is massive.

“Think of the young players that are coming through. That the first American ever won the Race to Dubai last year in Collin Morikawa and you have these young players coming through from either side of the pond that want to play over here and travel.

“Look, the one disappointment for every European golf fan was the Ryder Cup last year. But I think it’s never been healthier. The tournaments are getting bigger. Sponsorship dollars are coming in to support events. Players are wanting to come back and play. I think it’s in a really good spot.”

McIlroy’s point is backed up by $8m (£5.8m) prize purses both at this tournament and next week’s Dubai Desert Classic.

Whistling Straits and a Ryder Cup thumping at the hands of the United States saw McIlroy reduced to tears of frustration. Detailed European assessment of what precisely went wrong in Wisconsin means a captaincy successor to Padraig Harrington being named appears some