WATCH: Rory McIlroy makes impressive 358-yard drive at the DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy has long been one of the top players off the tee in golf. His ability to strike the ball and make it travel far and fast is not rivaled by many. This ability was on display early Thursday morning at the DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy, who is looking to cement his sixth Race to Dubai victory, took on the par-four ninth hole after shooting two-under over the eight previous holes. The ball traveled an impressive 358 yards with a ball speed of 188 miles per hour.

His shot elicited an impressed reaction from the announcers and a round of applause from the gallery.

You can watch the video of Rory McIlroy's tee shot below:

Following this shot, McIlroy has continued to play well. At the time of writing, he was through 16 holes in the first round. He stands at four-under, one shot behind Tyrrell Hatton, who is through 17 holes and leading the DP World Tour Championship leaderboard.

As long as McIlroy finishes 11th or better in this tournament, he will win the Race to Dubai once again. If he finishes lower than that, that would open the door for Thriston Lawrence to overtake him. Lawrence would, however, need to finish very high to pass McIlroy.

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Rory McIlroy wants to cut down schedule in 2025

Rory McIlroy has played well over 30 tournaments this year. That's a number he would like to cut down on next year.

Rory McIlroy wants to play less next year (Image via Getty)

Speaking before the DP World Tour Championship, he said (via BBC),

"If I can trim it down to 22 or 23, that will be good for me in the long run. I have to remember I'm 35, I'm knocking on a little bit - I have the grey hairs to prove it.

He added,

"At 35, I've been on tour for 17 or 18 years, I'm not slowing down but I just have to take care of myself and my body a little bit more."

Rory McIlroy did add that the tournaments he's looking at skipping next year do not include several key DP World Tour events. He said,

"I'm not going to miss these tournaments in the Middle East, I'm not going to miss Wentworth, the Irish Open or the Scottish Open. There were a few events I played in America this season that I don't typically play and I think that's where I'm going to have to trim a little bit."

McIlroy also said that he regrets not prioritizing the Race to Dubai more in his career. Otherwise, he felt, he'd be knocking on the door of history with a potential title this year.