Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy endured a challenging start at the Dubai Desert Classic, carding a one-over 73 in his opening round and finishing eight shots adrift of clubhouse leader Francesco Molinari on Thursday.

McIlroy’s troubles were highlighted on the 18th hole – the ninth in his round – where a misjudged chip rolled back into the water hazard, resulting in a double-bogey seven. After taking a penalty drop, he left himself six feet from the hole and required two putts to finish.

Playing alongside McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood also found the 18th unforgiving, dropping a shot there as well as at the 14th and 16th. Both world No. 2 and No. 3 ended the day with matching rounds of 73.

Tyrrell Hatton, the third member of the high-profile Ryder Cup trio, opened his Dubai title defence in strong fashion, shooting a two-under 70. Fellow Ryder Cup player Shane Lowry also posted a two-under score.

placeholder image — Rory McIlroy plays his second shot on the 13th hole on day one of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

At the top of the leaderboard, Molinari set a blistering pace with a seven-under 65, notching eight birdies –including four in his first five holes from the 10th tee and a closing run of three consecutive birdies through the ninth.

Mikael Lindberg sits two shots back after a five-under 67, while Joel Girrbach holds third place in the clubhouse at four under.

Among those chasing on three under is Wenyi Ding, the promising 21-year-old from China and former Arizona State University standout.