Rory McIlroy finishes poorly on opening day of Hero Dubai Desert Classic defence
Rory McIlroy was left to rue a poor finish to his opening round in the defence of his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title.
Seeking a record fourth victory in the event at Emirates Golf Club, McIlroy made an excellent start with four birdies in the first nine holes and bounced back from a bogey on the first – his 10th hole – with a birdie on the second.
However, the world number two then three-putted the sixth, duffed a chip on the seventh to drop another shot and also bogeyed the eighth to card a disappointing one-under-par 71.
Rory joins the lead early on day one