That’s the frank assessment of Sweden’s Robert Karlsson — a man who knows exactly what it takes to do what McIlroy needs to at the Jumeirah Golf Estates this week after winning the Dubai World Championship 12 months ago.
Karlsson, like McIlroy, is a long hitter in the driving department and — with the Earth course’s fairways and rough areas having been overseeded this year — the conditions seemingly favour a heavy-hitting golfer over a short-game specialist like Donald.
“Luke has another weapon that has been taking him to the top of the world and that’s his short game, but Rory has a huge advantage getting up to the greens – that’s just the way it is,” the 42-year-old said.
“If you look at the par 5s, they are very long. I don’t know how they are going to set up 18. On Tuesday, we played it and it felt like 1,000,000 yards!
“But, 15 is a long par 5, 7 is a long par 5 and 2 – I don’t think Luke can get up on any of them the way they were set up on Tuesday and I think Rory can on at least three. So, up to the greens, Rory has a huge advantage,
“The golf course is definitely set up for the longer hitter, even more so than last year, but there’s more to the game than that.”
The last hole then could prove somewhat problematic for those who perhaps struggle to get sufficient distance in their swing and the same could be said of the seventh, which even Karlsson seemingly struggled with this time round.
“It’s different this year,” he explained. “They have overseeded the fairways and the rough, so the course will play quite differently.
“It will play slightly longer because the ball is not running as much on the fairways and the rough is going to play a little bit more consistently.
“I think, with holes like the par-five 7 on the front nine, there is going to be quite a big difference. I mean, on Tuesday, I hit a great drive and a great 3-wood and I was still 20 to 30 yards short of the green.
“Last year, we got up there quite easily. I don’t know if the wind direction was slightly different or if it was just the firmness of the fairway.
“But, with the way it is set up right now, it is playing even more into the hands of the longer player. “The rough is also slightly more consistent, so it’s easier if you miss fairways this year.
“But, if you look at the winners, Westwood and I, and Rory did well the year before (2009), it’s a course and a tournament that’s suited for the longer hitter.”
Karlsson did nonetheless offer some words of encouragement for Donald, with a truer connection in the rough making life on the greens more straightforward than is usually the case.
“The (Tifeagle) Bermuda(grass) rough usually can get some vicious flyers and things like that, but it’s very grassy,” he added. “It’s a lot more consistent, with slightly more moisture in it.” probably be easier.”
TCL Electronics (1070.HK), the world's Top 2 TV brand and Top 1 98-inch TV brand, unveiled its latest line-up of products spanning various categories tailored for the Middle East and Africa market at an exclusive launch event in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Furthermore, TCL highlighted its robust partnership with Arsenal Football Club as the Official Regional Consumer Electronics Partner during the event, which included a notable appearance by Arsenal Legend Martin Keown
The most recent fatal crash of a Bell 212 was in UAE in September last year
The American birdies the 18th for a one-shot victory over LIV Golf's DeChambeau to reach a career-best second spot in the world rankings
UAE President also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families
Raisi died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border
In the first quarter of 2024, all banks in the country reported remarkable profit growth
The head of state was known for his hardline stance on national protests and nuclear talks
Rates of the precious metal have risen over Dh18 per gram in May
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
