The Holywood golfer carded a final-round 69 to finish third on 19 under par at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, two shots behind runner-up Tyrrell Hatton and four adrift of winner Jon Rahm

Rory McIlroy was unable to produce the back-nine birdies needed to challenge Jon Rahm in the final round of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.

The Holywood star posted a closing 69 to finish third on 19 under par, two strokes behind runner-up Tyrrell Hatton and four behind champion Rahm.

The result leaves McIlroy second in the Race to Dubai standings and presents him with an excellent opportunity to claim a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy when he competes at next week's DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy sits 534 points behind Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra following the Spaniard's tied 22nd finish in Abu Dhabi.

Despite recording a quadruple bogey in his opening round and a double bogey in his third, the Northern Irishman entered the final day at Yas Links just two strokes off the pace.

The six-time major champion made an excellent start, birdieing the opening hole before draining a putt from off the green for an eagle at the par-five second.

However, McIlroy was unable to sustain that form, dropping a shot at the third before suffering another bogey at the sixth.

The six-time major winner fought back with birdies at the seventh, 10th and 11th to remain in contention.

However, his putter then went cold, and a bogey at the par-four 15th all but ended his chances of claiming the title.

There was some consolation for the Holywood golfer, though, as he earned €507,025 for his third-place finish.

Meanwhile, Rahm demonstrated his quality with a closing 67 to secure a record-breaking sixth Rolex Series title.

"It means a lot," Rahm said.

"I'm almost not letting myself believe it because it's been a quite a while since I played good in a DP World Tour event and my last showing, if we don't count withdrawals, I think I finished last.

"So last to first, it's a pretty good feeling."

The Spaniard reflected on his performance, stating, "As far as I'm concerned, apart from the tee-shot at 17 it was a pretty flawless back nine. It was really, really solid.

"I was never in danger of making a bogey except that one hole so a lot of them deserve a lot of credit, but definitely that second shot on 15, that six iron might be contender for shot of the year for me."

Speaking about his recent struggles and return to form, Rahm added, "After everything that's gone on and some poor play, battles mentally with the noise, to come back out after a little bit of rest and having a new addition to the family, it's special."

Rahm, who remains in contention for the Race to Dubai title next week, secured the €1,368,163 winner's cheque.