Rory McIlroy warns Jordan Spieth of ‘hard’ 2016 ahead of Abu Dhabi showdown

Rory McIlroy was displaced as world No 1 by Jordan Spieth in 2015 but is targeting a return to the summit next season. Marwan Naamani / AFP

Rory McIlroy has warned rival Jordan Spieth that “self-inflicted pressure” will make it difficult for the American to follow up his blockbuster 2015 season in 2016.

Letdown in 2015

World No 3 McIlroy knows how tough it is to maintain peak form for a sustained spell. McIlroy won two majors in 2014 and was considered the man to beat in 2015, only to get derailed by a slowish start to the season at the big tournaments and an ankle injury that kept him out of the British Open in July.

Spieth’s stellar year

Spieth took over as world No 1, producing a magnificent season as he captured the US Masters and US Open titles and came perilously close to winning the British Open and US PGA Championship.

Expectation and focus

"It will feel completely different for Jordan [in 2016]," McIlroy told the Daily Telegraph. "If you look at the stats at how those who have had a double-major season have performed the next year ... it's hard to back up. There's so much expectation, so much attention and focus. And I think it is more self-inflicted pressure really."

2015 golf season review: Woods wilts as McIlroy, Day and Spieth form new 'Big Three'

Date in Abu Dhabi

McIlroy ended 2015 on a high note, winning the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai where he felt he finally got the “speed” back in his swing. McIlroy gets an early chance to face Spieth this season as both players will compete at next month’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, along with the likes of Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson. And McIlroy has vowed to be tournament-ready by the time the Masters comes around in April.

Will not be undercooked

“It just sort of all came together in Dubai and it makes me excited about next year,” McIlroy said. “I’m not saying I was undercooked this year, but I definitely won’t be next year. Augusta will be my eighth event.”

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