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McIlroy recorded nine birdies in a flawless start to his 2024 season
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Dubai Invitational first round rankings |
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-9 R McIlroy; -7 And Paul (German); -6T Lawrence (SA); -5 T Olesen (The), T Fleetwood (Eng) |
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Selected: -4 N Hojgaard (then); -3 R Hojgaard (then); -2E Ferguson (Sco); EL Donald (Eng), T McKibbin (NI) |
Rory McIlroy got off to an excellent start to the 2024 season, setting the early pace with a bogey-free 62 at the inaugural Dubai Invitational.
McIlroy, the world number two, hit nine birdies to lead Germany's Yannik Paul by two shots.
England's Tommy Fleetwood finished with a birdie for a bogey-free five-under 66.
Nicolai Hojgaard, McIlroy and Fleetwood's Ryder Cup teammate, is five behind after a four-under 67.
Starting on the 10th hole at Dubai Creek Resort, McIlroy recorded two birdies on his first six holes before making five of six birdies from the 17th to the fourth hole.
The four-time major winner finished his round with more birdies in seventh and ninth place.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his round, McIlroy said: “I surprised myself a little bit” with how well he played.
“In these professional tournaments I usually play with my dad or this week with the tournament organizer, so maybe there is a little more pressure,” said a smiling McIlroy.
“But it's an easy week to get back into things and this is a nice week to get some extra training in so I feel ready, not just for next week, which is obviously a bigger event.” [the Dubai Desert Classic]but we’re going into the bulk of the season.”
The Dubai Invitational consists of 60 professionals and 60 amateurs. The 72-hole individual strokeplay tournament will be played concurrently with a 54-hole Pro-Am team event running Thursday through Saturday.
There is no cut in the 72-hole pro event.
McIlroy, playing for the first time since November, will remain in the Middle East next week to defend his Dubai Desert Classic title.
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