Back to the Golf Newsfeed

McIlroy two shots back in Dubai, tied with Race To Dubai challenger Willett

Rory McIlroy ended his opening round in style Thursday at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

McIlroy was lying three in a greenside bunker at the par-5 18th hole at Jumeirah Golf Estates before holing his fourth shot for birdie and a first-round, 4-under 68.

"Nice way to finish," said McIlroy, who added four other birdies. "It was a bit scrappy before that. In between those birdies (on Nos. 11-12) and the birdie at the last, there was a bit of ugly golf in there."

The Race To Dubai leader is two shots off the lead, which is shared by Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, Andy Sullivan and Marcus Fraser.