Rory McIlory was at the unveiling of the new Race to Dubai brand, featuring the official Dubai logo, which took place at Jumeirah Golf Estates ahead of the 2016 DP World Tour Championship – the final tournament of the season and the culmination of the Race to Dubai.

With Henrik Stenson comfortably in the lead, McIlory’s chances of retaining the Race to Dubai title may be impossible but the Northern Irishman is nevertheless enjoying his return to the city that occupies a special place in his heart.

“Dubai has always been a special place for me. I made my first cut here on the European Tour and then went on to have my first as a professional win in the Dubai Desert Classic.”

McIlroy maintains that Dubai is a huge part of his journey to the top and is pleased to return to take part in this week’s DP World Tour Championship.

“It’s been a pretty amazing journey since then – and throughout all the success I have enjoyed around the world, Dubai has been a constant part of the story for me, my family and friends.

“I have been lucky enough to win the DP World Tour Championship twice as well as three Race to Dubai titles and I’m a resident here as it is the perfect place to come and work on my game.

The new Race to Dubai brand will be used from the start of next season.