McIlroy 3 shots behind leaders at Dubai Classic
REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Rory McIlroy bogeyed the final hole and sits three shots back of the leaders after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.
McIlroy settled for a 6-under 66, putting him into a tie with six others for sixth place. Bernd Wiesberger led the way with an 8-under 64.
Nicolas Colsaerts and Lee Westwood are part of a group of four golfers tied for second, one shot off the pace.
Defending champion Stephen Gallacher joined McIlroy with a 66, while Germany's Martin Kaymer started with a 67.
Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa pulled out of the European Tour event with back problems.
Here's a look at the top of the leaderboard after the first round:
| Position | Golfer | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernd Wiesberger | -8 (64) |
| T2 | Nicolas Colsaerts | -7 (65) |
| T2 | Andy Sullivan | -7 (65) |
| T2 | Lee Westwood | -7 (65) |
| T2 | Peter Uihlein | -7 (65) |
| T6 | Stephen Gallacher | -6 (66) |
| T6 | Rory McIlroy | -6 (66) |
| T6 | Maximilian Kieffer | -6 (66) |
| T6 | Anders Hansen | -6 (66) |
| T6 | Steve Benson | -6 (66) |
| T6 | Hennie Otto | -6 (66) |
| T6 | Marc Warren | -6 (66) |
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