On November 16 at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, McIlroy had a special visitor – cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar during the first roundRory. McIlroy is concluding his season at the DP World Tour Championship, and this year's event held particular significance for the Northern Irishman

Rory McIlroy and Sachin Tendulkar

Before teeing off, Tendulkar warmly greeted McIlroy, and the two exchanged thoughtful gifts. Tendulkar presented McIlroy with an autographed jersey from the Indian cricket team and a cricket stump bearing Tendulkar's signature. In return, McIlroy gifted Tendulkar an autographed hole flag featuring the DP World Tour Championship logo.

Sachin Tendulkar, widely hailed as the greatest cricket batsman in history, boasts an illustrious career that includes triumphs such as the 2011 World Cup and the 2002 Champions Trophy.

McIlroy, having already secured the top spot in the circuit rankings, is actively participating in the DP World Tour Championship. Despite only playing in seven tournaments, his performance has earned him enough points to clinch victory in the Race to Dubai.