McIlroy gets off to a good start in Race to Dubai, Luiten leads

Joost Luiten took the lead in the first round of the DP World Tour Championship with a 67. Ranked 56th and the last player on the course, Luiten completed the front nine in 31 strokes. On the back nine, after consecutive bogeys at the 11th hole, he birdied the 13th and 18th to regain the lead.

Rory McIlroy shot 69. Making five birdies and two bogeys in windy conditions, the world No. 2 is tied for third, two strokes behind Luiten. To overtake Eugenio Chacarra in the Race to Dubai, he needs to finish fourth or better in this tournament. McIlroy missed an eagle chance at the 15th and settled for a birdie with two putts.

Race to Dubai leader Chacarra completed his round with a 72, over par. Jacob Skov Olesen is one stroke back in second place, while Victor Perez, Gregorio De Leo, Freddy Schott and Francesco Laporta are two strokes behind, alongside McIlroy. If McIlroy wins this tournament for a fourth time, he will secure the Race to Dubai title.