McIlroy proud of wedge play and putting improvements after strong start in Jumeirah
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Rory McIlroy credited improvements in his wedge play and putting for a strong start to his title defence at the DP World Tour Championship, after carding a first round of 66.
McIlroy, who is aiming to win a fourth successive Race to Dubai championship, sits two shots back of Michael Kim after a six-under opening round on Thursday.
The Northern Irishman is looking to hold off Marcus Penge and Tyrrell Hatton in the Race to Dubai standings, and he started with three birdies before a bogey on the fourth.
Three more birdies followed from there, leaving him joint-third in the leaderboard alongside Andy Sullivan and Thriston Lawrence. Tommy Fleetwood is second, one stroke behind Kim.
Though the Masters champion felt he left some shots out on the course at Jumeirah, he was delighted with the way he was able to finish holes off.
"I definitely feel like I've made big strides in those two departments of the game over the last few years," McIlroy said of his wedge game and putting, via the DP World Tour website.
"I finished in the top five in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour this year for the first time.
"I definitely feel like my wedge play is a lot better, and you know, if I drive the ball well, then I give myself so many opportunities from inside 150.
"And if that part of my game is sharp, I feel like I give myself plenty of opportunities. I think that's why when I do play well, I'm consistently up there."
Rory put on a clinic with his wedges during round one #DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/2yX7sdDUAw
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 13, 2025
McIlroy then added: "I got off to the perfect start, making three birdies in a row. I felt like that was probably one of the best approach-play rounds I've had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. I had a lot of good iron shots.
"I don't want to sound like I'm disappointed, but I feel like I left a few out there. I missed a couple of short ones.
"Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I'm very comfortable on and historically I've played very well on."
