The DP World Tour is in Dubai this week for the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club. Several of the biggest names in golf are in the field including Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland.
They’re all chasing Joachim Hansen, who fired an opening-round, bogey-free 7-under 65, which included a stretch of four consecutive birdies beginning at the second hole. It was good enough to grab the clubhouse lead when play was suspended due to darkness. The Danish Olympian tied for 62nd last week in Abu Dhabi.
Sergio Garcia also got through Thursday’s round without making a bogey, signing for a 5-under 67. Joining Garcia at 5 under is Tommy Fleetwood, who’s coming off a mediocre performance at Yas Links where he tied for 48th.
Morikawa had it rolling during his opening nine, making six birdies to turn with a 31. He would add another birdie on the second (his 11th), before limping home with three bogeys on his last four holes for a 68. After a disappointing finish last week (T-62), Morikawa put in a lot of work before his Thursday effort.
“It was a disappointing finish but I’ve been working Monday through Wednesday, late into yesterday even after the pro-am just trying to figure things out,” he said. “When you’re thinking about so much you always have to remember to go and play golf so I’m happy with the four under, not thrilled, but to see some of the things that I’ve been working on show up on the course was really nice.”
The American will tee off Friday at least three back.
The opening round was suspended due to darkness with six golfers still on the course. That included Justin Harding, who currently sits at 6 under, and has the par 5 last to play and could take the outright lead with an eagle. Play is expected to resume Friday morning.
Other notable names to complete their round and where they sit include:
Hovland (4 under)
Tyrrell Hatton (3 under)
Adam Scott (3 under)
Thomas Pieters (2 under)
Rory McIlroy (1 under)