We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - McIlroy hits 'scrappy' two-under first round on Dubai return

McIlroy hits 'scrappy' two-under first round on Dubai return

SPORTS 16.01.2025
McIlroy hits 'scrappy' two-under first round on Dubai return
McIlroy hits 'scrappy' two-under first round on Dubai return / Photo: © AFP

Rory McIlroy got his 2025 season under way with a two-under-par 70 first round at the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.

Change text size:

The Northern Irishman won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November for his third successive Race to Dubai title.

And making his first start in two months, the 30-year-old fired four birdies for two bogeys at Emirates Golf Club.

"Yeah, pretty scrappy," McIlroy said.

"Actually I felt I played probably better the first eight holes where I was one over compared to the last 10 where I was three under.

"It was a bit scrappy. First competitive round of the year. First competitive round in a while. Definitely not as comfortable as I was in practice and coming in here.

"But it's nice to get a card in your hand. I got it around and got it in in a couple under, which is nice, and didn't put myself out of the tournament, which is the main thing."

McIlroy is aiming for his third successive Dubai Desert Classic win, and fifth overall.

A.Little--TNT

Featured

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Change text size: