DP World Tour Championship: Rory McIlroy boosts Race to Dubai hopes as Joost Luiten grabs shock early lead
Rory McIlroy made a strong start to his bid for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, as Joost Luiten grabbed a shock early lead at the DP World Tour Championship.
McIlroy, who needs to finish fourth or better to have a chance of surpassing Eugenio Chacarra in the season-long standings and win the Race to Dubai for an eighth time, carded an opening-round 69 at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The world No 2 mixed five birdies with two bogeys in breezy conditions on the Earth Course, where he missed an eagle opportunity at the par-five last that would have moved him above Chacarra in the projected Race to Dubai standings.
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McIlroy sits in tied-third on three under and within two shots of Luiten, the last player in the field and 56th in the season rankings, who jumped top of the leaderboard after a five-under 67.
Jacob Skov Olesen briefly shared the lead but is one behind Luiten on four under, with Victor Perez, Gregorio De Leo, Freddy Schott and Francesco Laporta all two back alongside McIlroy, while Race to Dubai leader Chacarra opened with a level-par 72.
More to follow...
Who will win the Race to Dubai? Watch the DP World Tour Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Friday from 7am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. Get the latest Sky Sports deals or stream golf and more sport with no contract.
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- November, 11
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12 of November 2026
