Rory McIlroy off to another good start in the Dubai Desert Classic
Rory McIlroy can't seem to break through in the United Arab Emirates during the European Tour's early season swing through the country.
Since earning his first pro win in Dubai in 2009, McIlroy has played nine times in Dubai and neighboring Abu Dhabi, finishing outside the top 10 just once and posting three runner-up finishes. It's a record that annoys the world No. 1, who lamented a lack of wins earlier in the week.
The good news for McIlroy on Thursday is he opened the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with 6-under 66. The bad news? He's tied for sixth, two off the lead of Bernd Wiesberger.
“It’s another good start here and something to build on,” McIlroy said. “Not going to grumble about a 66, although you’re not going to get the course any easier.”
McIlroy said he would have been disappointed had he not shot at least 68 at Emirates G.C. That's how strong his game has been dating back to last summer. He won three majors in a row, with a World Golf Championships event sandwiched in between the Open Championship and PGA Championship. Though he hasn't won since hoisting the Wanamaker for the second time in August, he has four runner-up finishes worldwide, including two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi.
Recent form and his record in the U.A.E. suggests a top-10 finish is a practical lock. However, walking away with anything less than a win will disappoint McIlroy, and isn't that what a player as dominant as the Ulsterman should feel?
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
