…. Dubai, UAE
Bob MacIntrye remains on target to capture the coveted ‘Rookie of the Year’ despite an average debut round at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Scotland’s top-ranked was nowhere near his best to be one-over par through 12 holes, and a shot behind playing partner and ‘rookie’ rival Kurt Kitayama, before regrouping to finish square with the American with a one-under par 71.
It left the duo sharing 21st place in the elite 50-player field and eight shots adrift of Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera who eagled the second to then birdie his closing four hoes in a nine-under par 63.
Rory McIlroy pulled-off what he described as an equal career best second shot 3-wood at the last to set-up an eagle ‘3’ finish in a round of 63.
The World No. 2, who stated ahead of the season-ending event he could play the Earth Course blindfolded, again brought the Jumeriah course to its knees with five birdies in his first seven holes.
McIlroy dropped a shot at 12 but then birdied 15 and 16 before his penultimate uphill screamer to some six-feet from the pin.
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