Seeking a third straight win at Emirates Golf Club, McIlroy carded four birdies and two bogeys to lie five shots off the lead shared by American amateur David Ford, Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Australian David Micheluzzi.

David Ford was playing like one of the best amateurs in the world at the end of 2024. It's no surprise he starts 2025 on top of the leaderboard.

Rory McIlroy begins title defence with opening-round 70; Tom McKibbin also five shots off the lead amid LIV Golf links; Ricardo Gouveia and David Micheluzzi with clubhouse lead after opening-round 65s;

Rory McIlroy makes his 2025 debut in the DP World Tour event – here are all the details on how to watch the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic online and on TV.

Rory McIlroy is making his 2025 debut in the desert. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Rory McIlroy’s twin wins at the Emirates Golf Club in the past two years could scarcely have evoked more contrasting responses. When he defended his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title last year, he was a picture of contentment.

RORY MCILROY, PÁDRAIG Harrington and Tom McKibbin all sit five shots off the early lead at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The trio carded opening rounds of two-under 70 at Emirates Golf Club. That leaves them five off the early lead shared by Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and David Micheluzzi of Australia.