Francesco Molinari

Rory McIlroy endured a frustrating start to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a one-over 73, featuring a double-bogey on the 18th hole, leaving him eight strokes behind surprise leader Francesco Molinari. The Italian carded a seven-under 65 with eight birdies. Tommy Fleetwood also shot 73, while defending champion Tyrrell Hatton sits at two under.