Rory McIlroy hopes of claiming a record-equalling eighth DP World Tour order of merit crown could be under threat from Patrick Reed, who recently left LIV Golf to attempt a PGA Tour return

Rory McIlroy is expected to return to a popular DP World Tour event in 2026 with significant expectations as the defending champion. The tournament is already drawing attention due to its setting and place on the golfing calendar.

As Rory McIlroy embarks on the 16th season of his career on the PGA TOUR, teeing up for his 2026 campaign debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am as the defending

Patrick Reed Recent DP World Tour Success, Will He Win a Major in 2026?

McIlroy first put the TaylorMade P7CB irons, 5-9, in the bag for the final 36 holes of the Australian Open last December. He continued to use the cavity-backs for both DP World Tour starts in Dubai last month. But after finishes of T-14, T-3 and most recently T-33 at the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy swapped back in his Rors Proto blades.

Already winning two DP World Tour events this season has set Patrick Reed up for the top spot. When asked how much the No. 1 position is on his mind, Reed subtly hinted at wanting to take that position from a European great.

Few voices in golf carry more weight than that of Rory McIlroy, so when he weighs in on whatever the latest hot topic among golf fans and pundits might be, folks tend to listen. As McIlroy arrived stateside for his first PGA Tour event of the 2026 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am,

LIV Golf took to social media after The Players Championship posted a promotional video teasing major consideration, as LIV Golf mocked the PGA Tour after Rory McIlroy gave a statement