McIlroy sparkles with 'clear conscience' and shoots 11 birdies in Dubai

The Masters champion nine-under for his second round at Yas Links.

Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the 16th hole during the first round of Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Rory McIlroy rebounded from his first-round penalty controversy by making 11 birdies and shooting 9-under 63 at the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.

The Masters champion was 11-under overall after two rounds as play continued at Yas Links.

“The course is very gettable today, there’s not a lot of wind. A lot of opportunities,” McIlroy said.

“I would say I’ll be at least two or three behind going into tomorrow. But it’s still in a much better position than I thought I would be.” 

Having played more than 1,000 rounds on the DP World Tour over 21 years, it's the first time McIlroy has carded 11 birdies in a round.

On Thursday, McIlroy was handed a two-shot penalty after his first round when officials ruled he had improved his lie on a hole where he made double-bogey. He posted a 2-under 70 to be eight shots off the lead, held by Francesco Laporta.

“Before I left the course, I made peace with it. I didn’t dwell on it,” McIlroy said Friday. “I’d much rather be two shots worse off than be called a cheat. At least I went out today (and) it wasn’t playing on my mind. I had a clear conscience and I could just go and play.

“So, again, I just never wanted the perception, people feeling like I got away with something. Yeah, I just wouldn’t want that sitting with me."

 

The Northern Irishman’s second round started with a bogey but he made three birdies through the next six holes before five straight birdies from No. 9.

McIlroy’s second bogey — on the 14th — was followed by three birdies on the final four holes.

“I did everything well. I drove the ball well. I hit my irons well. I putted a little bit better,” he said. “I saw a few more putts go in, which is something that I haven’t been seeing for the last couple months.”

McIlroy revealed he had worked on his putting last week with Brad Faxon.

“I finished second at Wentworth. Felt like if I had holed any putts at the weekend, I could have walked away with the win there. Struggled on the greens in India.

“But did some work with Brad Faxon last week and feel like I’m in a better spot with it. I definitely saw some encouraging signs on the greens today.”

The two-week postseason playoffs on the European tour began with the 224th-ranked Laporta shooting 10 under to take a three-stroke lead over three players — including fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm.

Associated Press