McIlroy's Rocky Start in Dubai Leaves Him with Significant Ground to Make Up
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland faced a challenging opening day at the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic, carding a three-over-par 73 that included a costly double bogey. The performance places the world-class golfer a substantial eight shots behind the first-round leader, Italy's Francesco Molinari, setting up a demanding path to contention for the remainder of the tournament.
A Disappointing Day on the Majlis Course
The event, held at the Emirates Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates, saw McIlroy struggle to find his rhythm early on. While specific details of his round beyond the double bogey are not fully detailed in the initial report, a score of 73 indicates inconsistency across the challenging layout. This start is particularly surprising given McIlroy's history of success in Dubai and his typically powerful driving game.
Francesco Molinari, in contrast, seized the early initiative. The precise score that gave him an eight-stroke lead was not specified, but it suggests a round in the mid-60s, showcasing exceptional precision and putting on a day where McIlroy faltered. Molinari, known for his steady and strategic play, capitalized on the conditions to build a commanding advantage.
The Long Road Ahead for the Northern Irish Star
An eight-shot deficit after just 18 holes is a significant hurdle, even for a player of McIlroy's caliber. It will require a dramatic turnaround in form over the next three rounds. McIlroy will need to minimize errors, particularly the big numbers like the double bogey that marred his first round, and hope that Molinari's pace slows.
The psychological aspect cannot be underestimated. McIlroy is renowned for his resilience and ability to mount comebacks, but digging out of such a deep hole against a seasoned competitor like Molinari presents a formidable mental test. The pressure will be on from the very start of his second round to post a low number and apply some pressure to the leaderboard.
This opening round sets the stage for a compelling narrative for the rest of the Dubai Desert Classic. Will Francesco Molinari maintain his blistering form and cruise to victory, or can Rory McIlroy engineer one of the memorable comebacks of his storied career? Golf fans will be watching closely as the action continues in the United Arab Emirates.
