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last wk.

Molinari Surges to Dubai Desert Classic Lead as McIlroy Opens With 73

The 2018 Open champion, ranked 418th in the world, set the pace with eight birdies to lead by two going into Friday.

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Rory McIlroy hit his approach shot on the par-five 18th into the water en route to a closing double-bogey

Overview

  • Francesco Molinari fired a seven-under 65, his lowest DP World Tour round since January 2024, to take a two-shot lead after day one at Emirates Golf Club.
  • Mikael Lindberg sits second at five under, with Joel Girrbach and JC Ritchie a further stroke back after opening 67s and 68s respectively.
  • Rory McIlroy made a double-bogey seven at the par-five 18th and signed for a one-over 73, leaving him eight shots off the lead; Tommy Fleetwood also shot 73.
  • Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton began his title defence with a two-under 70, matched by Shane Lowry, while Patrick Reed headlines a group at three under.
  • The 37th edition is a Rolex Series event offering a $9m purse and 8,000 Race to Dubai points, with live UK coverage continuing on Sky Sports from around 7:30am each day.