Rory McIlroy five off the lead at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic after firing a first-round 70 at Emirates GC | Golf news
Defending champion Rory McIlroy remains five shots off the lead after finishing his first round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy, chasing a record fifth Emirates GC title and third in a row, birdied his 16th hole as he clawed his way to a two-under opening round 70.
Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington were among the 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, 405th and 225th respectively in the world, shared the club’s first lead after 65 rounds.
“First competitive round of the year and first competitive round in a while,” McIlroy said Sky Sports. “I’m a little embarrassed by some of the shots.
“[But] I got it around and got it in the pair below which is nice. I didn’t get kicked out of the tournament, which is the most important thing.”
McKibbin’s reportedly imminent move to LIV Golf dominated the pre-kick-off agenda, with McIlroy admitting he would be “disappointed” if the 22-year-old joined the Saudi-funded league ahead of his title defense in Dubai.
On the course, four birdies saw McKibbin sit three under the lead after 14 holes before a double bogey at the sixth left the Northern Irishman stuttering 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 Sky Sports Golf and bringing the bonus action before the main action.
Coverage continues on Friday at 7.30am before kicking off from 7am throughout the weekend, with all four rounds of the American Express PGA Tour and the Latin American Amateur Championship also live on Sky Sports. Stream the DP world tour, major competitions and more from NOW.
