Defending champion Rory McIlroy “scrambled” his way to an opening two-under-par 70 on the opening day of the Dubai Desert Classic which left him five off the early pace.
The world number three, aiming for a third successive victory in the event, confessed that his play had been “scrappy” as a chip-in for birdie on his 16th hole, the seventh, helped him fight back from being one-over par after eight.
“[It was my] First competitive round of the year and first competitive round in a while. A little uncomfortable over some shots,” McIlroy told Sky Sports.
“[But] I got it around today and got it in a couple under which is nice. I didn’t put myself out of the tournament which is the main thing.”
Adding that he had done a “good job of scrambling” with a number of up-and-downs from off the green, McIlroy admitted that his chip-in had been “a bonus”.
“But I don’t want to have to rely on my short game for the rest of the week,” added the four-time major winner.
BBC News
FuJiaXin Wireless Earbuds, 2025 Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones in Ear buds, HiFi Stereo Earphones with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mics, 40H Playtime earbuds with IP7 Waterproof,Dual LED Display USB-C Ultralight
£139.99 (as of 20/05/2025 18:11 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)2025 Bluetooth 5.3: With 50% stronger signal stability than standard Bluetooth 5.0, enjoy seamless connections across iOS, Android and older devices. Ultra-low latency keeps audio perfectly synced to video – whether binge-watching dramas or gaming. A... read more
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App
25% OffPowerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs. Personalised Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the c... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear 3D Bass Stereo, 40H Wireless Earphones with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, IP7 Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds LED Display USB-C, Hands-Free Calls with AI
83% Off2025 Upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 and Ultra-Low Latency: The wireless earbuds are equipped with an advanced Bluetooth 5.4 chip and a high-sensitivity antenna. Compared to Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth 5.4 optimizes channel classification and AFH performance, im... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with HiFi Stereo Deep Bass, 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic Wireless Earphones 48H Playtime, Bluetooth Earbuds LED Display, IP7 Waterproof, Bright Black
£139.99 (as of 20/05/2025 18:11 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Powerful Deep Bass Bluetooth Earphones: Surging Bass Shock - The 13.2mm four-magnet dynamic large drive unit combined with Luckyrao's professional sound effects and meticulous tuning, provides the Y20 with more than 30% drive power and a low frequenc... read more
Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds – Small, Light, Bluetooth In Ear Headphones with Multipoint Connection, Ambient Sound, IPX4 Rating, Spotify Tap, Quick Charge, 22 HR Battery, iOS & Android - Black
27% OffINTRODUCING THE SONY WF-C510 EARBUDS: Incredibly comfortable, with fantastic sound quality, and packed full of features, these are amongst our smallest and lightest earbuds yet! HIGH-QUALITY SOUND, TAILORED TO YOU: Drawing on decades of Sony audio ex... read more
Wireless Earbuds,Bluetooth 5.3 in Ear Headphones with Noise Cancelling Mic, 48H Playtime HiFi Stereo Bluetooth Earphones, IPX8 Waterproof Touch Control True Wireless Headphones for iPhone/Android/IOS
NEW Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Technology and Effortless Pairing: YHFvesv Wireless headphones adopt the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 Technology. The latest chip ensures the solid connection,fast transmission. These wireless earbuds would instant paired once ta... read more
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear buds with HiFi Stereo Deep Bass 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic Wireless Earphones 48H Playtime, Bluetooth Earbuds LED Display, IP7 Waterproof, Fast Charge
£139.99 (as of 20/05/2025 18:11 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Powerful Deep Bass Bluetooth Earphones: Surging Bass Shock - The 13.2mm four-magnet dynamic large drive unit combined with FUJIAXIN's professional sound effects and meticulous tuning, provides the Y90 with more than 30% drive power and a low frequenc... read more
DUSONLAP Wireless Earbuds, Mini Sleep Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones In Ear Noise Cancelling Mic, 47H Playtime Ear Buds, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones, LED Display, Touch Control, USB-C, Black, 2025
83% OffMini Portable and Safe, True Noise Blocking: DUSONLAP SU8 small sleep earbuds are made of soft and skin-friendly silicone material, weighing only 3 grams per ear, and have an ergonomic in-ear design designed to ensure that the earplugs fit your ear c... read more
Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mics Ear buds HiFi Stereo Deep Bass Dual LED Display Bluetooth Earphones 42H Playtime Mini Case IP7 Waterproof USB-C Black
50% OffBluetooth 5.3/Wide Compatibility: G11Pro wireless earbuds have a stable and low-latency Bluetooth 5.3 chipset and are equipped with a high-sensitivity antenna for optimal Bluetooth transmission. Enjoy a continuous and stable connection even in areas ... read more
soundcore by Anker A20i True Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3, With App for Custom Sound, 28H Long Playtime, Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for Clear Calls, Single Earbud Mode, Compact Design
Superior Audio Journey: Immerse yourself in the rich, dynamic sound of the soundcore A20i True Wireless Earbuds. With 22 preset EQs, customizable tap controls, and BassUp technology, these earbuds deliver a powerful bass boost and a tailored audio ex... read more
None of This is True: Voted CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2024, the addictive #1 Sunday Times bestselling psychological thriller
£3.99 (as of 20/05/2025 18:11 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The List of Suspicious Things: The No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller
45% Off
The Paper Palace: The No.1 New York Times Bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Bookclub Pick
£3.99 (as of 20/05/2025 18:11 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Wrong Sister: The instant Number 1 Sunday Times bestseller! Discover the new gripping psychological thriller
£2.99 (as of 20/05/2025 18:11 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Women: The Instant Number One Bestseller from the author of The Nightingale
50% Off
Love Untold: The joyful Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club pick from the Gavin & Stacey co-creator
50% OffBest Electronic Deals.
Discover the Best Electronic Deals on Amazon Today. Grab Hot Discounts on Top Tech! Don't Miss Out! 🔥 Save Big Now!
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 30 oz | Twist On Lid and Flip Up Straw | Leak Resistant Water Bottle |…
$35.00 (as of 20/05/2025 22:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CELSIUS Assorted Flavors Official Variety Pack, Functional Essential Energy Drinks, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
$22.49 (as of 20/05/2025 22:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mighty Patch™ Original patch from Hero Cosmetics - Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch for Covering Zits and Blemishes in Face and…
$12.99 (as of 20/05/2025 22:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming
$19.99 (as of 20/05/2025 22:04 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
