Rory McIlroy five off Hero Dubai Desert Classic lead after firing 70 in opening round at Emirates GC | Golf News happymamay

Defending champion Rory McIlroy sat five shots off the lead after completing his opening round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy, who is bidding for a record fifth Emirates GC title and third in a row, birdied the 16th hole as he reached an opening-round 70.

Tom McKibbin and Padraig Harrington were among a group of players to join McIlroy at the club at 70, five behind Ricardo Gouveia and David Micheluzzi.

Portugal’s Gouveia and Australia’s Michelozzi, ranked 405th and 225th respectively in the world, shared the early club lead after rounds of 65.

“The first competitive round of the year and the first competitive round in a while,” McIlroy said. Sky Sports. “It was a little uncomfortable in some shots.

“[But] I’ve had it and I’ve had it in a couple which is nice. “I did not take myself out of the tournament, and that is the most important thing.”

McKibben’s impending move to LIV Golf dominated the agenda before play began, with McIlroy admitting he would be “disappointed” if the 22-year-old joined the Saudi-funded breakaway league before defending his title in Dubai.

On the course, four birdies saw McKibben sit within three of the lead after 14 holes before a double bogey at the sixth saw the Northern Irishman stutter at the end of his round.

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Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Sky Sports

Sky Sports You’ll enjoy extended coverage of all four rounds of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with highlights broadcast live from 4am each morning. Sky Sports Golf And introduce the bonus action before the main action.

Coverage continues at 7.30am on Friday before starting at 7am over the weekend, with all four rounds of the PGA Tour’s American Express Championship and the Latin American Amateur Championship also broadcast on Sky Sports. Stream the DP World Tour, Majors and more now.