Rory McIlroy: Holder five behind after opening 70 at Dubai Desert Classic

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.