Rory McIlroy has made a good start to his title defense and bolstered the hopes of another Race to Dubai victory with an impressive first-round at the DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy arrived in Jumeirah Golf Estates at the top the DP World Tour season-long standings. Marco Penge, and Tyrrell Hattie are the only two players that can stop him from a 4th consecutive Race to Dubai championship.
The world’s No. 2 opened with three consecutive birdies, and continued to move forward on a day of low scoring. His six-under-66 left him just two strokes behind the early leader Michael Kim.
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Rory McIlroy began his round by making three consecutive birdies. He is defending his DP World Tour Championship.
The Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood is alone in second place after five birdies on his back nine. McIlroy is a further shot behind in third, tied with Thriston Lawrence, Andy Sullivan, and Colin Montgomerie.
Penge, who needs to be in a three-way tie for second place to overtake McIlroy, is tied-46th following an opening round 74. Hatton on the other hand, requires a win and good results. He has a 70 with no bogeys.
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Kim sets the clubhouse goal after Fleetwood and McIlroy’s impressive performance. Kim, an American, set the clubhouse as his target following his bogeyless 64. Kim gave himself eleven chances from within 10 feet during his approach play masterclass. Kim also made five birdies on his back nine in a six hole stretch.
Fleetwood, who was eliminated in a Sunday play-off of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – matched Kim’s birdie burst on the 10th hole and got to seven-under. McIlroy kept his record with a 66 opening round.
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Rory McIlroy showed off some impressive wedge play on the first day of the DP World Tour Championship.
McIlroy started his back nine by making successive birdies. He came close to a hole in one at the 13th par three, but missed the opportunity. McIlroy then took advantage of the next par five, and finished his round with four consecutive pars.
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Rory McIlroy claims he has definitely improved his wedge and putter errors after a successful start in Dubai.
Nicolai, Hojgaard and Brandon Robinson Thompson are all tied on five-under with Daniel Hillier. Shane Lowry is also on four-under, as are nine of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team members.
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McIlroy leads the DP World Tour Championship by two strokes.
McIlroy’s ‘perfect start” in Dubai Rory McIlroy (6 under, tied third): “I made three consecutive birdies. It was the perfect start. It was one of my best rounds in terms of approach play that I have had for a while. My wedge game felt very sharp. Many good iron shots.”I’m not trying to sound disappointed, but I think I missed a few. I missed two short ones. It was a solid start to the day on a golfing course where I feel very comfortable and I have historically played very well.”
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Tommy Fleetwood, (second place in seven under): “It was a great day.” I didn’t expect it to be so easy. Some really high scores are out there. There were a lot of difficult shots on the back nine. I felt I was in a really good groove.”Drove as well as I’ve driven it all year. It was an excellent driving day. Yes, that was an excellent score. As I mentioned, there were many demanding shots to make and some pins that were hidden. I saved two or three pars which was important.Who will win the Race to Dubai?” Sky Sports will broadcast the DP World Tour Championship in real-time. Sky Sports Golf continues to broadcast live coverage of the DP World Tour Championship on Friday at 7am. Stream DP World Tour events and more, without a contract.
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