Rory McIlroy made a strong start to the new year after carding a five-under par 66 to hold a one-shot lead following the first round of the Dubai Invitational.
The reigning Masters champion produced seven birdies to edge ahead of Spaniard David Puig and Scot Connor Syme at the top of the early leaderboard.
McIlroy is targeting his eighth professional victory in Dubai, having previously won the Dubai Desert Classic four times and the European Tour’s Tour Championship on three occasions.
Starting on the 10th hole, the Northern Irishman picked up six birdies across the back nine before navigating more demanding conditions on the front nine to close his round.
“It was good. I got off to a great start and played a very solid first nine,” McIlroy said. “Then the wind picked up a little, and that front nine – which was our second nine – felt like the more difficult stretch.”
McIlroy, who became only the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory last April, said his off-season preparation included technical changes, notably a new set of irons.
“I enjoy the work and the process,” he added. “I like doing challenging things, and after doing it for so long, it becomes part of who you are. Not doing it now would feel unusual.”
McIlroy’s Ryder Cup-winning teammates Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood sit three strokes off the lead at two under par, alongside former Masters champion Patrick Reed.
Also trailing by three shots are South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence and Jayden Schaper, who each carded a two-under 69 to tie for ninth place.
Meanwhile, Dylan Frittelli and Jacques Kruyswijk are also tied for ninth after posting a one-under 69.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
– AFP
Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Article Link: McIlroy takes lead at Dubai Invitational