# Rory McIlroy penalty at Abu Dhabi

> Rory McIlroy takes two-shot penalty for grounding club near ball at Abu Dhabi tournament.
- Title: Rory McIlroy penalty at Abu Dhabi · Nationalclubgolfer
- Summary: Rory McIlroy takes two-shot penalty for grounding club near ball at Abu Dhabi tournament.
- Keywords: rory mcilroy, abu dhabi aldars championship, yas links, two-shot penalty, rule 8.1b(4), quadruple-bogey, Nationalclubgolfer
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/rory-mcilroy-ruling-abu-dhabi-aldar-championship
- Author: Matt Chivers
- Published: 2026-11-05T15:36:34+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rory mcilroy, abu dhabi aldars championship, yas links, two-shot penalty, rule 8.1b(4), quadruple-bogey, sports
## Rory McIlroy penalty
Masters champion Rory McIlroy received a two-shot penalty in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.
## Rule 8.1b(4) violation
McIlroy grounded his club behind the ball on the 12th hole at Yas Links, rolling a piece of grass into a divot.
## Penalty decision
The DP World Tour ruled McIlroy did not press the club on the ground but accepted a two-shot penalty due to perception concerns.
## McIlroy's explanation
McIlroy said he tried to feel the lie but the video showed grass lying down, so he took the penalty to avoid negative perception.
## Result
McIlroy's quadruple-bogey 8 led to a 2-under 70, keeping him in third place in the Race to Dubai.
## Key takeaway

Rory McIlroy accepted a two-shot penalty after reviewing video showing he may have pressed his club on the ground during play at Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.