Golf

Rory McIlroy finishes poorly on opening day of Hero Dubai Desert Classic defence

The world number two carded a disappointing one-under-par 71.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy suffered a poor finish to his opening round in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Kamran Jebreili/AP)
Defending champion Rory McIlroy suffered a poor finish to his opening round in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Kamran Jebreili/AP) (Kamran Jebreili/AP)
By Phil Casey, PA Golf Correspondent