Rory McIlroy made an impressive start to the 2026 golf season, shooting a five-under-par 66 to seize the first-round lead at the Dubai Invitational. The Masters champion was competing for the first time this year with a significant equipment change, having switched to new cavity-back irons.
A Confident Start with New Gear
The Northern Irishman looked immediately comfortable with his new TaylorMade irons, a move away from the blades he has traditionally used. McIlroy explained the switch was prompted by a desire for more forgiveness, noting that slight mis-hits with his old clubs were proving costly in distance. "If there is help to be had I’ll definitely take it," McIlroy told Sky Sports after his round at the Dubai Creek Resort.
He also confirmed he has a new golf ball in play this week but was pleased with how both elements performed under competitive pressure. "Today was a good test for it and I felt everything was pretty good," he added.
McIlroy's Commanding Opening Nine
McIlroy's mastery of his new set-up was evident from the outset. Starting on the 10th hole, he came within inches of an eagle and that set the tone for a blistering front nine. He carded seven birdies in his first ten holes, repeatedly firing his approach shots with wedges to inside 11 feet on five separate par fours.
He reached the turn in a superb 31 strokes. His only setbacks were a missed short putt on the 12th and a bogey on the par-three 3rd, where he found a greenside bunker off the tee and failed to get up and down. The latter part of his round proved trickier as the wind picked up, and he parred his way home, feeling he had left a few shots out on the course.
Tournament Pauses for Tribute
Play was temporarily suspended during the day for a poignant tribute. The pause honoured young golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who was due to be junior captain at Dubai Creek this year, and the 39 other victims of the tragic fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Day.
On the leaderboard, Scotland's Connor Syme and Spain's David Puig sit just one shot behind McIlroy's lead. England's Matt Wallace is among a group on three under par, his round featuring an eagle and six birdies in a nine-hole stretch before late dropped shots.
McIlroy summarised his day as "a nice way to start the year," satisfied with both his performance and the successful debut of his new, more forgiving equipment on the DP World Tour.
