Defending champion Rory McIlroy sat five shots off the lead after completing his opening round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy, who is chasing a record fifth title at Emirates GC, and third in a row, chipped in for birdie on his 16th hole as he clawed himself to a two-under opening round of 70.
Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington were among a group of players who joined McIlroy in the clubhouse on 70, five behind Ricardo Gouveia and David Micheluzzi.
Portugal’s Gouveia and Australia’s Micheluzzi, ranked 405th and 225th in the world respectively, shared the early clubhouse lead after rounds of 65.
“First competitive round of the year and first competitive round in a while,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “A little uncomfortable over some shots.
“[But] I got it around and got it in a couple under which is nice. I didn’t put myself out of the tournament which is the main thing.”
McKibbin’s reportedly imminent switch to LIV Golf dominated the agenda before play began, with McIlroy admitting he would be “disappointed” were the 22-year-old to join the Saudi-funded breakaway league ahead of his title defence in Dubai.
On the course, four birdies saw McKibbin sit three off the lead after 14 holes before a double-bogey at the sixth led to the Northern Irishman’s stutter towards the end of his round.
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Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Sky Sports
Sky Sports will have extended coverage from all four rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with Featured Groups live from 4am each morning on Sky Sports Golf and bringing bonus action ahead of the main action.
Coverage continues at 7.30am on Friday ahead of getting under way from 7am over the weekend, with all four rounds of the PGA Tour’s American Express and the Latin America Amateur Championship also live on Sky Sports. Stream the DP World Tour, majors and more with NOW.
Source : Sky Sports
