Additional Coverage:
McIlroy Kicks Off 2024 Season with Strong Showing at Dubai Invitational
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Golf superstar Rory McIlroy wasted no time making his mark on the 2024 season, carding a stellar 5-under 66 to seize a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Dubai Invitational.
The Northern Irishman finds himself atop the leaderboard, with Scotsman Connor Syme and Spaniard David Puig tied for second. English golfer Matt Wallace, despite an early surge, stumbled late in his round, dropping into a five-way tie for third after a challenging finish.
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood sits three shots back in a tie for ninth, part of a packed group that includes American Patrick Reed. Reed is one of three LIV Golf players participating in this event.
McIlroy’s return to the European Tour following five events at the close of 2023 was nothing short of explosive. He quickly found his rhythm on the par-71 course at Dubai Creek Resort, notching four birdies in his first five holes.
“I got off to a great start, played a very good first nine,” McIlroy commented, reflecting on his seven-birdie performance. “Then the wind got up a little bit and it felt like that front nine, which was our second nine, was the trickier one.
I made a silly bogey on three and then didn’t capitalize on the par five after that. I felt like I left a few out on that side (but) overall a nice way to start the year.”
Connor Syme, with five birdies and a single bogey, expressed confidence in his play. “I really had my ball under control, so hopefully I can keep that up,” he stated.
“There’s probably no better place to be at the moment than out here in Dubai. It’s obviously a very similar format to the Dunhill back in Scotland, but just about 25 degrees warmer.”
Wallace’s round was a rollercoaster of emotions. After an initial bogey, he rebounded with a spectacular eagle on the fourth hole, chipping in neatly from the edge of the green.
He then added five birdies before his momentum was broken by a bogey on the 12th. A double bogey on the 16th and a bogey on the 18th saw him relinquish his early lead.
Fleetwood, too, had a mixed bag, recovering from an early double bogey and a bogey on the front nine to finish strong with two birdies in his opening round.
The Dubai Invitational, held every other year, holds a special significance for Fleetwood, who famously edged out McIlroy in a dramatic final-round duel to win the tournament two years ago.
Golf fans can look forward to more action next week with the Dubai Desert Classic, a tournament McIlroy has won four times. He also boasts three victories at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.