Rory McIlroy: Holder five behind after opening 70 at Dubai Desert Classic
Defending champion Rory McIlroy’s “desperate” effort to shoot a two-under 70 on the opening day of the Dubai Desert Classic left him five shots off the pace early on.
The world number three, aiming for a third consecutive victory in the event, admitted his performance was “sloppy” as he chipped in a birdie on the 16th hole (seventh hole) to lift him from above Bouncing back with a score of 1 par. eight.
“(It was my) first round of the year and first round in a while. Some of the shots were a little uncomfortable,” McIlroy told Sky Sports.
“(But) I got it today and got it down there, which was good. I didn’t take myself out of the game, and that’s the most important thing.”
McIlroy added that he “did a great job grabbing the ball” during the many ups and downs off the green, and admitted his chip was an “added bonus.”
“But I don’t want to have to rely on my short game the rest of the week,” the four-time major champion added.
