Rory McIlroy is looking to build on a promising start to his 2026 season. After finishing tied for third at the Dubai Invitational, he's identified areas to refine before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He admitted he wasn't at his sharpest, but found positives in his game, especially his short game, which he's been working on.

McIlroy's performance included a strong finish with five consecutive birdies. Despite some setbacks, including water hazards, he maintained his focus. He's now turning his attention to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, an event where he's tasted victory four times. He knows he needs to improve his ball-striking to contend.

McIlroy acknowledged the need to focus on hitting more fairways, particularly with driver selection. He's been experimenting with his setup, including new irons and a different golf ball. The world No. 2 aims to be in top form for the upcoming tournament, which begins next week.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic holds special significance, marking the 20th anniversary of his debut. With a strong track record at the event, McIlroy is poised to contend for his first win of the year. He'll be the favorite, and fans can watch him live on Sky Sports Golf.