McIlroy still winless in Dubai
Exactly a week after his fourth second-place finish in the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy finished well down a field of 58 professionals in a share of 25th place.
Playing alongside Ryder Cup-winning teammate Stephen Gallacher, McIlroy began with seven fours, including birdies at two and seven and a fourth-hole bogey.
He then played the inward nine in two-under-par and the round highlight came at at the par three, 17th, where McIlroy hit a 6-iron to just two inches right of the pin.
Another Abu Dhabi hole-in-one would have earned McIlroy a eu1.3m Sunseeker Manhatton 63 luxury boat
“It was enjoyable day as I have not played 18 holes since I was last here in Abu Dhabi a week ago,” McIlroy said after his round.
“It’s a great golf course and there are many parts that remind you of Kingsbarns in Scotland given they are both designed by Kyle Phillips.”
Strangely, Gallacher regularly out-drove his illustrious playing partner, but McIlroy was reasonably happy with his performance.
“Overall my game is pretty good and besides I really don’t have to work on anything in particular as I know the Emirates course so well having won there in 2009 and finished runner-up.
“I am now going to practice at the Els Club tomorrow and then I’ve got a corporate day Tuesday before getting to Emirates Club late on Tuesday for the Desert Classic.”
Meanwhile, South African Branden Grace clinched his sixth European Tour title with a bogey-free 66 to win the Qatar Masters in Doha.
The 26-year-old finished 19-under, one-shot clear of Scotsman Marc Warren, who missed a 20-foot putt to force a play-off. “It was a great day, a great week, and it’s another trophy to put in the cupboard,” Grace said.
Dubliner Peter Lawrie was best of the Irish, finishing on four-under in a tie for 46th. Michael Hoey was one shot further back. Damien McGrane meanwhile finished on two-under.
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