Rory McIlroy, the world number two from Northern Ireland, kicked off his campaign at the Dubai Invitational with an impressive five-under-par 66, placing him at the top after the first round at Dubai Creek Resort. This event, part of the DP World Tour, marks the beginning of the 2026 tournament season.
Beginning on the 10th tee, McIlroy quickly found his rhythm, marking six birdies on his opening nine holes and turning at an exceptional 31. Although he added another birdie at the first hole, he faced a bogey on the third, but managed to secure a level-par inward nine for his overall score.
The Dubai Invitational features a distinctive format, combining 60 professional golfers with 60 amateurs. Over the opening three days, a 54-hole Betterball Pro-Am event accompanies the main competition. Currently leading the Pro-Am division is Team JJ Dudam, with Matt Wallace from England starting strong at 10-under-par, two shots ahead of the competition.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy noted the challenges he faced as the wind increased during his second nine. Despite making a few mistakes, he expressed satisfaction with his play, stating, “I got off to a great start, played a very good first nine… Overall, a nice way to start the year.”
Regarding his adjustments in equipment, McIlroy shared his recent modifications with his TaylorMade set and a new golf ball for the week. He highlighted noticeable improvements during practice, especially while on firmer turf in Australia, concluding that it was a good test for his new gear.
As the afternoon progressed, the wind became more challenging at the Dubai Creek course, known for its exposed layout. Close contenders include Connor Syme from Scotland and Spain’s David Puig, who both finished with a solid score of 67, one shot behind McIlroy. A total of 25 players managed to break par, with later starters contending with the tougher conditions.
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, who claimed victory in 2024, began his title defense with an under-par score of 69, achieving birdies on the final two holes amidst the strong wind, placing him tied for ninth.
Tee times for Friday are set between 8:30 AM and 11:09 AM, with additional details available on the European Tour website. The total purse for the event stands at $2,750,000, with the previous winner being Fleetwood himself.
As the tournament unfolds, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the competition develops over the coming days.