Rory McIlroy's first competitive round of 2024 was one to remember as he carded a stunning nine-under-par 62 at the first round of the Dubai Invitational to head the field.
The County Down golfer, who started on the 10th hole, was in scintillating form at the Dubai Creek Resort, with a couple of missed putts denying him the chance to shoot below 60.
Three was very much for the number for McIlroy as he hit 12 in all with four of those leading to birdies on the back nine. He picked up a further five shots coming in with no blemishes to ensure a two-shot lead over Germany’s Yannik Paul.
McIlroy, who will defend his Dubai Desert Classic title next week, told Sky Sports: "I didn't expect that. It didn't feel quite as good as that the first couple of days when I was here hitting balls and playing the course but it was nice to get a card in the hand again and feel the competitive juices flowing.
"I surprised myself a little bit but hopefully more of the same over the next few days.
"When the wind gets up it can get a little bit tricky. We played the first 12 or 13 holes basically without any wind and then there was a little coming in.
"I think you just have to miss it in the right spots, there's some water here and there and I think I did a good job today of managing my misses on the right side and when I did hit good shots I was available to take advantage of them."
The other Irish golfer in the limited 60-man field in Dubai is another Holywood Golf Club member, however, Tom McKibbin was unable to match McIlroy's hot start to the tournament.
McKibbin did manage to make three birdies throughout his opening 18, however, bogeys on eight, 11 and 15 meant that the 21-year-old had to settle for a level par 71 heading into Friday's second round - although there is no cut at the tournament.
McIlroy's main challenge came from Germany's Paul, who shot an excellent seven-under 64 in a round that contained eight birdies and just the one dropped shot.
South African Thriston Lawrence is also within striking distance of McIlroy on six under, while Ryder Cup duo Thorbjorn Olesen (2018) and Tommy Fleetwood (2018, 2021, 2023) share fourth place on five under alongside China's Li Haotong.
