McIlroy makes most of ‘home’ comforts

RORY McILROY couldn’t have been more at home on the Emirates course and in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic — he’s played that event more than any other in his short professional career.

McIlroy recorded eight birdies and just one bogey in a seven under par 65 to end the opening day in the final event of the Middle East Swing, two strokes clear of the field.

Spain’s Sergio Garcia and South African Thomas Aikin are at five under par with five players on four-under par.