.… Dubai, UAE

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy gave the thumbs-up to stand-in caddy, Niall O’Connor after the pair gelled superbly for McIlroy to post a sizzling eight-under par 64 on day one of the DP World Tour Championship here in Dubai.

The former multi-capped Ulster fly-half is filling-in for McIlroy’s final event of 2019 while regular caddy, Harry Diamond is at home with his wife and new baby daughter.

McIlroy, and with the proud Castlerock member helping call the shots completed the round that including a spectacular 291-yard second shot up the final hole to set-up an eagle ‘3’ end to the round.

Niall O’Connor acting as caddy for Rory McIlroy in his final event of 2019. (Photo @tourmiss)

“Niall and I worked together well, he was brilliant,” said McIlroy.

“He was really, really good. First day down and no hiccups so far. Hopefully more of the same over the next few days.

“The wind was really tricky today, so we were just trying to stay aware of that. It switched a little bit from north-west to more west the last few holes, and we were just being mindful of that because it can start to swirl out here. Hitting the ball well. Putting well. Everything is in good shape.”