ROUND 1 - McIlroy Shines In Abu Dhabi
Former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy made a hot start to 2021 after firing a superb 8-under 64 in the opening round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. It was his lowest ever round at the tournament.
The 31-year-old leads the European Tour event by one shot with England’s Tyrell Hatton sitting at 7-under. Hatton produced two eagles during his bogey-free 65. Fabrizio Zanotti is in third place at 6-under. The 37-year-old from Paraguay carded six birdies and no bogeys in his 66.
McIlroy began his round at the 10th hole, which he birdied. He then produced birdies at the 12th, 15th and 18th for an outward nine of 32. The four-time major winner covered the inward nine in 32 shots with four more birdies. The Northern Irishman has enjoyed eight top five results from his ten previous outings at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Lucas Herbert (68) is the best-place Australian at 4-under. The 25-year-old from Bendigo collected his maiden European Tour victory 12 months ago at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Wade Ormsby is in a tie for 10th at 3-under.
