McIlroy issues warning to PGA Tour rivals after opting to start season in Dubai
McIlroy has warned his PGA Tour rivals after deciding to start his season in Dubai.
Rory McIlroy decided to start his season at the DP World Tour’s Dubai Invitational and the opening 18 holes did not disappoint as the Northern Irishman took the lead on day one.
Rory McIlroy has started the season in style.
Rory McIlroy got the 2024 season off to a good start, shooting a 9-under 62 to win the Dubai Invitational by two shots.
McIlroy’s first round in the desert went flawlessly at Dubai Creek Resort with nine birdies and nine pars. Although the Northern Irishman chose to start the season on the DP World Tour, his dreadful start has undoubtedly attracted attention and served as a warning to his PGA Tour rivals.
An in-form McIlroy will worry his opponents, but the perfect start surprised even the four-time major champion, who admitted there were elements of rust in the first two days of practice. . “Yeah, I didn’t know it was going to happen,” McIlroy said after the round. “In the beginning, I wasn’t good at hitting the ball or playing the field. But it was nice to be able to hold the map in my hands again and feel the competitive spirit flowing through me.
“It was a very good group. I love playing with Ryan and the two amateurs. So it was a very relaxing way to play golf. Yes, I was a little surprised. But I hope it will be the same in the future.”
The Northern Ireland native is no stranger to starting a season on the DP World Tour, choosing to tour the Middle East for the past three seasons. A new challenge awaits you this week. McIlroy will participate in the first edition of the Dubai Invitational. Rory McIlroy leads by two shots.
The four-time major champion looked comfortable on new terrain but admitted the course was “difficult” due to the wind and water around the creek. “I think if it’s windy, if it’s windy on the water, it can be a little more difficult,” he added. “We played the first 12 or 13 holes with no wind, then it got a little windy. I think you will have to miss it in the right place by the river. There is no water here. “I think we were able to control the mistakes on the right side well today and capitalize on them when we scored.”
McIlroy’s choice to start his campaign in Dubai forced him to miss last week’s PGA Tour opener at The Sentry. The Northern Irishman was one of 60 players to take part in the signature event, but was the only star to turn down an invitation to compete in Hawaii.
After his performance at Creek Resort, McIlroy will remain in the Middle East next week to defend his title at the Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. He will then have a week off before making his first PGA Tour appearance of the year at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
