Molinari Leads Hero Dubai Desert Classic with Stellar 65

Francesco Molinari opened the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a remarkable seven-under-par 65, establishing a two-shot lead. This performance, his lowest opening round in eight years, took place at the Emirates Golf Club on March 15, 2024. Molinari’s round featured eight birdies and highlighted his strong return to form after a challenging period.

Reflecting on his play, Molinari remarked, “Obviously, good comes to mind,” during an interview with Sky Sports. He noted that while he was pleased with his score, it was “not super-unexpected” given his preparation. The 2018 Open champion successfully navigated challenging windy conditions, using only 24 putts while covering a distance of 153 feet on the greens. His performance was a stark contrast to that of pre-tournament favorites, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, who both struggled to a one-over-par 73.

Molinari acknowledged feeling “rusty” during the previous week at the Dubai Invitational, where he aimed to prepare for this tournament. He highlighted the improvement in his putting as a key factor in his success. “The putter was the biggest difference; I made some nice putts,” he explained. Molinari concluded his round with three birdies, marking his best opening round on the DP World Tour since October 2017.

Finding his rhythm after a period of adjustment, Molinari shared insights into his recent coaching changes. “It’s been a long time, so I feel like I have changed everything and then I’ve changed back,” he said. He is now working with coach Dennis Pugh, who assists him remotely. “Just even a day a month at home… he’s always been great, sort of simplifying stuff for me,” Molinari added.

As the day progressed, Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg emerged as Molinari’s closest competitor, finishing with a solid four birdies and an eagle for a score of 67. Following them, Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach and South Africa’s JC Ritchie were tied at three under par, just one stroke behind Lindberg.

In a notable performance, Shane Lowry rebounded from a disappointing finish at the Dubai Invitational to card a solid 70, marked by five birdies. He was joined by fellow Ryder Cup team-mate Tyrrell Hatton, who also finished with a score of two under par. Hatton expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially given it was his first competitive round of the year.

Throughout the tournament, discussions surrounding player sanctions related to the LIV Golf series continued. Hatton addressed comments made by McIlroy regarding fines for players participating in LIV events while still members of the DP World Tour. “I guess something will get sorted from hopefully something soon,” he stated, indicating a desire for resolution on this matter.

McIlroy, currently ranked second in the world, experienced a challenging day on the course. Despite making birdies at the third, sixth, and tenth holes, he recorded his worst opening score in two decades at this event. His round notably included a seven on the par-five 18th, after misplaying a straightforward approach shot into the water. Fleetwood, his playing partner, also faced difficulties, finishing tied for 61st place with three bogeys on his front nine.

As the Hero Dubai Desert Classic unfolds, attention will undoubtedly focus on Molinari’s impressive lead and the potential for further exciting developments as the tournament progresses.