Defending champion Rory McIlroy is five shots behind the leader after completing his opening round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy, who is chasing a record fifth title at the Emirates and his third in a row, birdied the 16th hole but admitted he had to settle for a “scrappy” opening-round 70.
“The first round of the year and the first round in a while,” McIlroy told sky sports. “Some of the shots were a little uncomfortable.
“[But] I put it around and put it under a pair and it was fine. I didn't take myself out of the game, that's the most important thing. “
Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington were among the players who shot 70 in the clubhouse with McIlroy, behind Ricardo Gouveia , David Micheluzzi and 22-year-old amateur David Ford 5 strokes.
Portuguese player Gouvia and Australian player Michelucci, ranked 405th and 225th in the world respectively, are tied for the lead after 65 rounds. American player Ford also joined him with a score of 7 under par. , who made a 40-foot eagle putt on the first hole and ran off the track. Five straight birdies in his first round on the European Tour.
McKibbin's reported move to LIV Golf was a major talking point ahead of the tournament, with McIlroy admitting he would be “disappointed” if the 22-year-old joined the Saudi-funded breakaway league ahead of his title defense in Dubai.
On the course, McKibbin had four birdies and was three back of the lead after the 14th hole, but a double bogey on the sixth hole left the Northern Irishman stranded towards the end of the round. Stuttering occurs.
Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, making his first appearance in the tournament, opened with a 69.

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Sky Sports Heroes Dubai Desert Classic
sky sports Coverage of all four rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be expanded, with featured groups live starting at 4am each day sky sports golf And place bonus actions before main actions.
Live coverage continues at 7.30am on Fridays and starts at 7am on weekends, with Sky Sports also showing all four rounds of the PGA Tour American Express and Latin American Amateur Championship. Stream DP World Tour, professional events and more through NOW.

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