Alex Noren claimed the first round lead at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, heading a congested leaderboard which features, among others, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell.
The Swede, who finished second in this tournament at Emirates Golf Club last year, fired a six under par 66 to lead by one from countryman Peter Hanson, 2012 champion Rafa Cabrera-Bello of Spain, Trevor Fisher Jnr of South Africa and Australian Brett Rumford.
Defending champion McIlroy and the Desert Classic’s most prolific winner Els – who has won the event three times – are lurking ominously in an eight-strong group on four under, with McDowell and Stenson a further shot back.
McIlroy began his day with a bogey six on the par five tenth hole, but soon shook off that poor start with three birdies on the back nine, including a brilliant four at the par five 18th despite driving his ball into the water from the tee. The world number three added three birdies, a single bogey and five pars on the front nine to make a solid start to his title defence.
Having won his first event as a professional at the Desert Classic in 2009, the Northern Irishman is seeking to join Els as a three-time champion, but the 46 year old South African is keen to prove to the world he can compete with and overcome golf’s new generation of superstars at one of his favourite venues in world golf.
Alex Noren
“I’m very happy. I hit a lot of good shots but a few bad shots and got away with it. When you do that and still can manage to shoot 66 then you have had a pretty good day so I won’t be complaining too much. I didn’t really expect to be leading so it feels even better when that is the outcome. You always feel pretty good about a course when you have done well, so coming back here this year after finishing second last season was a good feeling. Hopefully I can keep it going for the rest of the week.”
Rory McIlroy
“It wasn’t the best way to start, bogeying a par five, and then even the bogey I made on the second hole, which is a birdie hole out here, was a bad mistake. But to bounce back and to birdie some of the tougher holes on the course, I was really pleased with that. When I got myself out of position, I was able to get back in play and make my pars. So, considering the start, I’m happy with how the rest of the round went. I still feel there’s room for improvement in my putting, but it’s definitely got better. Even since winning this tournament back in 2009, the strides I’ve made in my putting have been great. I feel like I’ve got a consistent routine in practice and that definitely helps on the course.”
Ernie Els
“I just love the game. I went through a very tough spell, especially last year and the beginning of the year, I think everybody saw that. But I’m starting to rekindle my love for putting again, and the rest of the game has always kind of been there. So I feel like I can still do something. I feel good about this week. I want to get a good one in in the morning and see what we can do this weekend. Ever since I played here in 93, I just started enjoying the place, and it fits my eye, so to speak. I just love it here. I’ve always been a right-to-left player. That’s my favourite way to play, and there are a lot of holes that require that shape.”
