Published Thursday, 09 February 2012
Rory McIlroy plays a shot in the 1st round of the Dubai Desert Classic 2012. (© Getty)
The Holywood shot a magnificent 66 at the Emirates Golf Club on Thursday, putting him firmly in contention for the weekend at a tournament he won in 2009.
McIlroy had a quiet start to his round with six pars in a row followed by a bogey on the seventh hole.
His round came alive around the turn with six birdies through the next seven holes to get right into the mix at the top of the leaderboard.
"You just have to stay patient, bide your time and create opportunities, but not force it," he told Sky Sports.
"I think I've matured as a golfer and I knew the back nine is definitely more scoreable."
McIlroy took a par at the 16th and 17th holes before showing why he is regarded as one of the best in the world right now.
On the 18th, a par 5 of 564 yards, he smashed his drive 300 yards over the dog leg to give him a 220 yard shot to the green, over a lake.
His approach shot stopped ten feet past the pin.
But he had to bite his lip as his eagle putt slid past the hole, and content himself with a tap-in birdie to close out another incredible scorecard.
Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello is leading at nine under after he threatened to break records with his first round.
Starting on the 10th tee, the Spainaird claimed his nine birdies by the time he had completed 11 holes and looked to have a good chance to go round in 59 shots, however, a relatively unexciting par finish meant golf's holy grail remained beyond his grasp.
Ireland's Peter Lowrie was also well placed after he carded a five under 67 which included five birdies on the back nine.
Ballyclare's Gareth Maybin finished at one under for the round which included an eagle, two birdies and three bogeys.
Belfast's Michael Hoey was at one over after 14 holes in his first round.