RORY MCILROY GOT his 2026 campaign off to a fast start as he raced into the early clubhouse lead on the opening day of the Dubai Invitational.

The world number two carded a first-round 66 to set the early mark at the Dubai Creek Resort on five-under par.

Shane Lowry, playing alongside McIlroy, opened with a two-under par 69.

McIlroy, who was runner-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2024, fired six birdies in his opening nine holes to make the turn on five-under par.

An 11-foot birdie at the first moved him to six-under before he was caught out of position off the tee on the par-four third and three-putted for bogey.

New year, new equipment, same old Rory 🎯

The Grand Slam Champion leads the Dubai Invitational agter making four birdies in his first eight holes thanks to approach play like this 😍#DubaiInvitational pic.twitter.com/iLlb2N9Zhy

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 15, 2026

Lowry also enjoyed a fast start and was four-under through his first 12 holes before back-to-back bogeys on six and seven saw him hand back some of that early momentum.

Reflecting afterwards, Lowry said: “I’m very fortunate that Rory’s a good friend. You see what he’s achieved. Obviously, I know, I’m not stupid enough to think I’m going to win a Grand Slam or anything, but I look at him and he’s a great person for me to reach towards.

"I'm very fortunate that Rory's a good friend. I'm not stupid enough to think I'm going to win a Grand Slam or anything, but I look at him and say he's a great person to reach for.

I always say if I can get close to him in every tournament, then I have a chance. I'm a firm… pic.twitter.com/d9kx2plolY

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 15, 2026

“I always say if I can get close to him in every tournament, and play well coming in, I can have a chance to win.

“I’m a firm believer that the people you surround yourself with, you become.”

Scotland’s Conor Syme and Spaniard David Puig are one shot off the lead after finishing their rounds four-under par.

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Written by Declan Bogue and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.