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Molinari sets the early pace at Dubai Desert Classic
The Italian, who has not been in the winner's circle since lifting the 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2018, made light work of the breezy conditions at Emirates Golf Club
- PUBLISHED: Thu 22 Jan 2026, 7:27 PM
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Francesco Molinari rolled back the years with a stunning 65 to lead by two shots after a windy first round at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The Italian, who has not been in the winner's circle since lifting the 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2018, made light work of the breezy conditions at Emirates Golf Club thanks to eight birdies and one dropped shot.
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Four-time champion Rory McIlroy stumbled to an over-par round.
It was a disappointing day though for McIlroy, who hit his approach shot on the par-five 18th hole into the water en route to a closing double-bogey.
The Masters champion had earlier mixed three birdies with two bogeys.
McIlroy will need to make a move on Friday to get into contention for a fifth title in the event, as will world number three Tommy Fleetwood who also carded a one-over 73.
Molinari, on the other hand, was delighted with his first round performance.
"Obviously good comes to mind," he said. "Not super unexpected but I wasn't expecting a score like that. Last week I felt very rusty, so I was hoping it would be very good prep for this week. The putter was the biggest difference to be honest. Made some nice putts. Kept the round going in the middle where I played a couple of iffy holes and made some good pars."
Molinari returned to form after an indifferent 2025 DP World Tour campaign with a top-ten finish at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player in December before starting the calendar year with back-to-back events in Dubai.
The 43-year-old has recently reunited with long-time coach Denis Pugh in search of his best form. "I've changed everything and then I've changed back," he explained. "I'm back working with Denis Pugh. That's been really nice. He doesn't travel to tournaments anymore but I see him just a day a month at home, and he's always been great at simplifying stuff for me and clearing stuff out of my mind that doesn't need to be there."
Molinari briefly joined Mikael Lindberg at the summit before the Swede closed with a birdie to set the clubhouse target at five under.
"It was a great day," said Lindberg. "We're off to a very hot start and holed a few good putts there in the beginning and then kind of slowed down a little bit. But managed to birdie the last. That was good."
However, Molinari finished his round with three consecutive birdies to carve open a two-shot advantage and take the overnight lead at the opening Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai.
JC Ritchie started with an eagle at the tenth before birdies at the 13th and 18th offset a bogey at the 15th. The South African moved to within one of Molinari with a hat trick of birdies from the second, but he double bogeyed the sixth and finished at four under alongside Swiss Joel Girrbach.
Japan's Yuto Katsuragawa, China's Wenyi Ding, Spaniard Manuel Elvira, Italy's Andrea Pavan, Germany's Nicolai Von Dellingshausen and American pair Patrick Reed and Johannes Veerman were in a share of fifth at three under.
Tyrrell Hatton opened his title defence with a two under par 70 to sit alongside Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry among the group of 12 players one shot further back.
"Standing here right now, I'm very happy with that score," said the defending champion. "It was pretty tough this morning. I felt like I hit some pretty scruffy golf shots, which in some ways is to be expected. Felt pretty rusty. But I was fortunate that I holed three shots from just off the green. The greens were getting firm and as the round went on, I felt like they got pretty quick. I feel like the guys this afternoon, it will probably play a bit tougher for them."
Three groups will return to finish their first round on Friday morning after play was suspended due to darkness at 17:50.
Meanwhile, Ross Fisher reached a major career milestone at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, making his 500th start on the DP World Tour - an achievement that underlines his longevity and consistency at the highest level of the game.
"It's pretty cool. It's obviously a unique milestone to achieve," said Fisher. "When you first come out on Tour, you never really have that goal in your mind. But throughout the years, I've seen some guys reach that milestone. To get that is pretty special, and to do it in such an iconic venue like here in Dubai, it's pretty cool."
The Englishman is one of a select group to reach the landmark, having spent more than two decades competing on the DP World Tour. Across his career, Fisher has claimed five DP World Tour titles, represented Europe at the 2010 Ryder Cup, and produced several standout performances, including a course-record 61 at St Andrews.
FAMILY FRIDAY
Friday, January 23, is Family Friday at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with Tournament Town offering a packed programme of entertainment for all ages.
The newly expanded Kids Zone, double in size for 2026, hosts a full day of activities and workshops to keep younger fans entertained, while families can refuel at the new Eat Street food destination featuring a diverse selection of culinary options.
As evening approaches, Family Beatz brings live music and entertainment to cap off the day, creating the perfect atmosphere for families to enjoy world-class golf alongside a festival-style experience.
General Admission on Friday is free, with children under 17 receiving complimentary entry when registered and accompanied by an adult. Those seeking an elevated experience can purchase tickets for The Social on Sixteen overlooking the iconic 16th hole from Dh 695 while The Dallah Lounge is now sold out for all remaining days of the tournament.
