By:
Paul Kelly
Rory McIlroy has made a strong start at the Dubai Invitational in his first appearance of the year.
McIlroy shot a -5 par round of 66 to put himself in second place, just one shot behind leader Matt Wallace.
Rory McIlroy Makes Strong Start At Dubai Invitational With Lead After Round 1
Rory McIlroy has made a strong start in his first tournament of 2026 at the Dubai Invitational.
The Northern Irishman was the pre-tournament favourite to win the biennial golf tournament, having come second two years ago to Tommy Fleetwood.
McIlroy changed clubs for the first time since 2017, and it seemed to work a treat for his opening round at Dubai Creek Golf Club after shooting a -5 round of 66 for his opening 18 holes.
This puts the five-time major champion in a solo lead, just one shot ahead of three players who all sit at -4 in second place.
https://twitter.com/DPWorldTour/status/2011763099737735616
The career Grand Slam winner has fond memories of winning in Dubai, having won four Dubai Desert Classic’s as well as two DP World Tour Championship events in the emirate city.
McIlroy made an incredibly strong start, with four birdies in his first five holes of his front nine on Thursday. He added another two birdies to conclude his front nine with just one bogey and two pars, meaning he went out in -5 par in 31 strokes.
His back nine was less exciting, with just one birdie, seven pars and one bogey. Overall, an opening round of 66 is a strong start for the reigning Masters champion, who is poised to begin the year with a possible win already after just 18 holes.
https://twitter.com/DPWorldTour/status/2011754293339267372
Shane Lowry Just Four Shots Off Lead After -2 Opening Round At Dubai Invitational
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were paired together for the opening two rounds of the 2026 Dubai Invitational, with both men enjoying strong starts to the tournament.
McIlroy’s -5 puts him in the solo lead, with Lowry carding a solid round of 69 to put him at -2 after the opening 18 holes of action at Dubai Creek Resort.
Lowry was a last-minute inclusion in the Dubai Invitational field, making his debut in the event after not appearing back in 2024 when Tommy Fleetwood reigned supreme.
The Irishman started similarly to his good friend and Ryder Cup teammate, McIlroy, with three birdies in his opening four holes and one bogey.
A run of five pars followed to conclude Lowry’s front nine, which was the course back nine after starting on the 10th tee, meaning he went out in 33 strokes and -2 par.
"I'm very fortunate that Rory's a good friend. I'm not stupid enough to think I'm going to win a Grand Slam or anything, but I look at him and say he's a great person to reach for.
I always say if I can get close to him in every tournament, then I have a chance. I'm a firm… pic.twitter.com/d9kx2plolY
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 15, 2026
Lowry’s back nine then started with two birdies in the first three holes, putting him on -4 par and just one shot off the lead at one stage during the round.
However, back-to-back bogies followed on holes six and seven, his 15th and 16th, meaning he dropped back to -2 par which is how his round finished.
All in all this means that Lowry shot an opening round of 69, which is currently just three shots off the lead of McIlroy.
Although the three bogies will frustrate the Offaly man, -2 par for his opening 18 holes is a strong start and one that should give the 2019 Open champion confidence for the rest of the week.
Both McIlroy and Lowry enjoyed strong starts at the 2026 Dubai Invitational, with the Irish contingent very much in the mix with three days of golf left to play in the UAE.
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