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McIlroy sets the early pace after a closely contested opening round at Dubai Invitational
The Northern Irishman made an assured start to his 2026 DP World Tour campaign, firing a five-under-par to lead Syme and Puig at Dubai Creek Resort
- PUBLISHED: Thu 15 Jan 2026, 7:37 PM
- By:
- Nick Tarratt, Guest Golf Writer
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Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), the world number two, opened his Dubai Invitational campaign with a polished five-under-par 66 to lead after the opening round at Dubai Creek Resort on the DP World Tour.
Starting from the 10th tee, McIlroy made a fast start, carding six birdies in his opening nine holes to turn in 31. He added another birdie at the first, his tenth hole of the day.
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A bogey followed at the third, before six pars saw him complete a level-par inward nine and sign for a 66.
This week’s event features a unique format, with 60 professionals and 60 amateurs competing in the first DP World Tour event of 2026. A 54-hole Betterball Pro-Am runs alongside the main tournament across the opening three days.
Leading the Pro-Am division is Team JJ Dudam, with Matt Wallace (England) posting 10-under-par 61 to open up a two-shot lead.
Bright start, tough finish
Reflecting on his round, McIlroy said: “I got off to a great start, played a very good first nine. And then the wind got up a little bit and felt like that front nine, which was our second nine, was the trickier one. And made a silly bogey on 3, and then didn't capitalise on the par-5 after that.”
“So I felt like I left a few out on that side, but I played a really good nine holes of golf. Overall, a nice way to start the year.”
Commenting on his new equipment, McIlroy added: “I've been thinking about it for a while. And even in Dubai at the end of last year, I hit a couple of 5-irons that I mis-struck slightly, and instead of it maybe coming up 5 or 7 yards short, it was coming up more like 10 to 15 yards short.”
“So I asked the guys at TaylorMade to build me up a set. And I actually went down to Australia with them, and with that firm turf down there, I felt like those irons were going through the turf better than the blades. And I practised with them at home since. And I've got a new golf ball in play this week as well, the new 2026 ball.”
“So overall, I like what I've seen at home, and today was a good test for it, and I felt like everything was pretty good,” concluded McIlroy.
Afternoon winds bite hard
The wind picked up during the afternoon, which always makes the Dubai Creek course a stern test, given its exposed location alongside the creek.
Also in contention are Connor Syme (Scotland) and David Puig (Spain), both of whom opened with 67 to sit one shot behind the leader. In total, 25 players broke par, with the later starters facing the tougher conditions.
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, winner in 2024, opened with a two-under-par 69, including birdies on the final two holes into a strong breeze, leaving him tied ninth.
Friday’s tee times are from 8.30am to 11.09am. Further information is available at www.europeantour.com.
Round One Scores
Dubai Creek Resort (UAE) Par71Yards7059
Purse$2,750,000. Previous Winner: Tommy Fleetwood
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland): 66
T2. Connor Syme (Scotland): 67
T2. David Puig (Spain): 67
T4. Oliver Lindell (Finland): 68
T4. Julien Guerrier (France): 68
T4. Angel Ayora (Spain): 68
T4. Antoine Rozner (France): 68
T4. Matt Wallace (England): 68
T9. Marcus Armitage (England): 69
T9. Daniel Hillier (New Zealand): 69