DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy posted a 5-under 66 to guide by one stroke after the primary spherical of the Dubai Invitational on Thursday.
Scotsman Connor Syme and Spaniard David Puig have been tied behind the Northern Irishman in second place, and English golfer Matt Wallace dropped two pictures again right into a five-way tie for third after late struggles.
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood was three again in a tie for ninth in a big group together with American Patrick Reed. He’s amongst three gamers on the LIV Golf squad a yr in the past taking part in in Dubai.
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Because the European tour resumed following 5 occasions on the finish of 2025, McIlroy made a quick begin with 4 birdies within the first 5 holes on the par-71 course at Dubai Creek Resort. The winner earns $458,333 in a complete purse of $2.75 million.
Wallace began his spherical with a bogey then made a neat chip from the sting of the inexperienced for an eagle on the fourth gap.
He made 5 birdies earlier than his momentum was halted by a bogey on No. 12. He misplaced his means and the lead after a double bogey on No. 16 and a bogey on the 18th.
Fleetwood recovered from a double bogey and a bogey on the entrance 9 by ending his opening spherical with two birdies.
The match is held each different yr. Two years in the past, Fleetwood benefited from two big errors on the again 9 from McIlroy to win the match following a back-and-forth final-round duel.
Subsequent week sees the Dubai Desert Basic, which McIlroy has gained 4 instances. He has additionally gained the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai 3 times.
