Rory McIlroy Responds to Longest Hitter Debate
Rory McIlroy enters this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as the tournament favorite, though he won’t be the undisputed longest hitter in his group at the DP World Tour event.
Matchup with Marco Penge
The five-time major winner will share the tee box with English player Marco Penge, a powerful driver who has captured three DP World Tour titles in 2025. Their pairing sets the stage for an inevitable driving-distance rivalry.
Statistical Comparison
- Rory McIlroy’s average driving distance: 320.3 yards
- Marco Penge’s average driving distance: 319.19 yards
- Nicolai Hojgaard leads the category with 321.5 yards
While McIlroy edges Penge statistically, what distinguishes them is driving efficiency. Penge ranks second in strokes gained off the tee at +1.06, only a fraction behind leader Jon Rahm, who has competed in fewer tournaments.
Competitive Spirit
The duo will play together for the first time as the top two in the Race to Dubai standings, drawing attention not only for their skills but also for their friendly rivalry off the tee.
“I don’t know,” Penge said when asked on Tuesday about who will hit it longer.
Author’s Summary
McIlroy faces strong competition from Penge in Abu Dhabi, with both golfers pushing each other in distance and precision as leading contenders in the DP World Tour.