DUBAI – Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland demonstrated commanding form to secure the first-round lead at the Dubai Invitational, launching his 2026 DP World Tour season with a polished five-under-par 66 at the Dubai Creek Resort on Thursday.
The world number two electrified the course with a spectacular front-nine performance, registering six birdies in his initial nine holes to card a 31 at the turn. Maintaining momentum, he added another birdie at his tenth hole (the first) before encountering a minor setback with a bogey at the third. McIlroy closed with six consecutive pars to complete a level-par inward nine.
Reflecting on his round, McIlroy noted: “I got off to a great start, playing a very good first nine. As the wind intensified, the second nine presented tougher challenges. Despite a unnecessary bogey on 3 and missed opportunities on the par-5, I’m pleased with this solid beginning to the year.”
The tournament features an innovative format with 60 professionals competing alongside 60 amateurs. A simultaneous 54-hole Betterball Pro-Am competition runs parallel to the main event throughout the first three days. Team JJ Dudam currently leads the Pro-Am division, with England’s Matt Wallace firing an impressive 10-under-par 61 to establish a two-stroke advantage.
McIlroy also revealed significant equipment changes, including new TaylorMade irons and the 2026 model golf ball. “After testing in Australia’s firm conditions, these irons demonstrated superior turf interaction compared to blades,” he explained. “Today’s performance validated my equipment decisions.”
Scotland’s Connor Syme and Spain’s David Puig trail closely with matching 67s, while defending champion Tommy Fleetwood carded a two-under 69 despite challenging afternoon winds that tested later starters. Twenty-five players total finished under par in the opening round.
Friday’s second round tee times run from 8:30 AM to 11:09 AM local time.