Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry played together in the first round the Dubai Invitational and both had satisfying days. His 66 earned him the first-round lead in Dubai, a shot clear of Connor Syme and David Puig. And it’s, I guess, who you identify as,” he explained to Tim Barter on Sky Sports. [It’s my] first round of the year, you’re kind of not really sure what to expect. You start missing fairways, it’s tricky and the ball gets away from you.”Pádraig Harrington, playing on a sponsor’s invitation, opened with a 72 while Tom McKibbin struggled to a 74.

Source: The Irish Times January 15, 2026 16:34 UTC