Finish costs Rory McIlroy after first round at Dubai Desert Classic

Li Haotong is out in front after a five-under 67.

Rory McIlroy plays a bunker shot on 10th hole during the first round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament. Picture: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili

Rory McIlroy bogeyed three of his last four holes to get his defence of of the Dubai Desert Classic off to a disappointing start. 

The Holywood man shot a one-under-par 71 at Emirates GC with Li Haotong currently leading after a five-under 67.

The Chinese golfer is one shot clear of a large grouping on four-under.

Fellow Hollywood golfer Tom McKibbin is a stroke behind McIlroy, while Pádraig Harrington carded a one-over par 73.

McIlroy started quickly and was four under at the turn but he undid his fine work with that late collapse. 

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