Dubai Desert Classic: McIlroy Struggles as Molinari Takes Lead
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Dubai Desert Classic got off to a dramatic start on Thursday, with four-time champion Rory McIlroy struggling in harsh conditions. McIlroy’s round was marked by a double-bogey 7 on the par-5 18th at Emirates Golf Club, ultimately leading to a 1-over 73 that left him eight shots behind leader Francesco Molinari.
Molinari, the 2018 Open champion, navigated the strong wind and firm, slick greens with ease, carding a 7-under 65 to build a two-shot lead over Mikael Lindberg of Sweden. The round was suspended with nine players left to complete their rounds on Friday morning due to the challenging conditions.
McIlroy’s Tough Start
McIlroy, who has an impressive record in the Dubai Desert Classic with 12 consecutive top-10 finishes, began his round on the 10th hole. Despite being even par for most of his round, his wedge to the par-5 18th pitched on the front and rolled back into the water, resulting in a double bogey. He missed a 6-foot putt, further compounding his woes.
McIlroy wasn’t alone in his struggles, as he played alongside Tommy Fleetwood, the No. 3 player in the world, who also carded a 73. Viktor Hovland, another top contender, matched their score. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, playing in the same group as McIlroy and Fleetwood, managed a 70, as did Shane Lowry, who is looking to bounce back from a disappointing finish last week.
Molinari’s Impressive Round
Molinari, currently ranked No. 418 in the world, made eight birdies, including four in his first five holes starting at the 10th. He finished his round with three straight birdies, showcasing his exceptional form. “Not super unexpected but I wasn’t expecting a score like that,” Molinari said, reflecting on his round. “Last week I felt very rusty, so I was hoping it would be very good prep for this week. Yeah, putter was the biggest difference to be honest. Made some nice putts. Kept the round going in the middle where I played a couple of iffy holes and made some good pars. Very, very pleased with the start.”
Joel Girrbach of Switzerland is alone in third place with a 68, while the group at 69 includes former Masters champion Patrick Reed. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the leaderboard shapes up and whether McIlroy can mount a comeback to challenge Molinari’s lead.
For more information on the Dubai Desert Classic, including live scores and updates, visit the official tournament website or follow reputable golf news sources. The tournament is expected to continue on Friday, with the remaining players completing their first rounds and the field being cut for the weekend.
