Rory McIlroy began his 2025 campaign with a solid two-under-par 70 in the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday. The Northern Irishman, aiming for a record third consecutive title at the event and his fifth overall, managed four birdies offset by two bogeys in his first competitive round of the year.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy described it as “scrappy” but emphasized the importance of staying in contention. “First competitive round of the year, definitely not as comfortable as I was in practice,” he admitted. “But it’s nice to get a card in your hand. I didn’t put myself out of the tournament, which is the main thing.”
Key Stats – McIlroy’s First Round
| Holes Played | Birdies | Bogeys | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 4 | 2 | 70 (-2) |
The 30-year-old enters the tournament on the back of his victory at the DP World Tour Championship in November, where he clinched his third consecutive Race to Dubai title. However, the two-month break from competitive play showed early, as McIlroy acknowledged feeling more comfortable during practice than on the course.
Despite the challenges, McIlroy’s back-nine rally, which saw him play three-under over the last 10 holes, keeps him firmly in the mix for another title defense. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the world-class golfer can secure his third straight win in Dubai and continue his dominance in the Middle East.
