Rory McIlroy enjoys this time of the year. The Northern Irishman finished in the top five of his first event for the year 13 times out of 15 years. This includes a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2023.
He’s back at it two rounds into the Dubai Invitational, where he has a two shot lead over Yannik and Jeff Winther. McIlroy smashed Dubai Creek Resort with a 9 under 62 on Thursday. But Friday was quite a different tale.
After two birdies at Nos. McIlroy started his day with birdies on Nos. McIlroy made the turn at 2-over-par 37 and birdied Nos. After the turn, McIlroy birdied Nos.
Dubai Invitational: Leaderboard
“Yes, I believe that if I take a look at the 17 other holes I played, I did play very, very well.” McIlroy said to the media that he had hit some good iron shots.
“Played pretty much the same as yesterday. Yesterday I might have missed a few more putts. Conditions were becoming a bit more difficult. The wind was blowing. The greens were firm. There were a few miscues at the 8th.
“I felt that I did well to get back into the game and play some solid Golf on the way in.”
Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, tees-off on the fifth green during the second round at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in Dubai on January 12, 2024. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images).
TSN reported on Wednesday that DP World Tour’s chief executive Keith Pelley will be leaving his position to take a job at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. This is the parent company for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA’s Toronto Raptors as well as Toronto’s MLS, Canadian Football League, and NBA franchises.
European Pros React to Pelley News
“First of all, I am happy for him. “I think that the job he is going to is something he has probably been wanting for a very long time. Being from Canada and especially Toronto, and being able to manage two major sports teams in Toronto, namely the hockey team and basketball team, is I believe a wonderful opportunity,” McIlroy replied when asked about Pelley’s departure.
“I’m glad for him.”
McIlroy’s last victory was at the Scottish Open in 2023. He is the only golfer behind Scottie Scheffler on the Official World Golf Ranking.
This weekend, he’ll get another chance to make the most of his first start for the year.
.@McIlroyRory opens up a two-shot lead
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— DP World Tour 12 January 2024
