Francesco Molinari rolled back the years with a masterful display of golf to seize the first-round lead at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in Dubai. The Italian star carded a stunning seven-under-par 65 at the Emirates Golf Club, establishing a two-shot advantage over the field in challenging windy conditions.
Molinari's Remarkable Return to Form
The 2018 Open champion described his performance as "not super-unexpected" but admitted he "wasn't expecting a score like that" after what he called a "rusty" showing at last week's Dubai Invitational. Molinari's round marked his lowest opening score in eight years, dating back to the Italian Open in October 2017, and represented his best performance on the DP World Tour for two full years.
Statistical Dominance on the Greens
Molinari's putting proved decisive in his commanding performance. The Ryder Cup vice-captain holed an impressive 153 feet of putts while using his flat stick just 24 times on the firm, fast greens. He recorded eight birdies during his round, finishing strongly with three consecutive birdies to close out his day.
"Obviously, good comes to mind," Molinari told Sky Sports when asked to describe his round. "The putter was the biggest difference. I made some nice putts and kept the round going in the middle where I played a couple of iffy holes. I managed to get some good pars, and obviously very pleased with the start."
Technical Rebuilding Pays Dividends
The Italian revealed that his resurgence follows a complete breakdown and reconstruction of his entire game. "It's been a long time, so I feel like I have changed everything and then I've changed back," he explained. Molinari credited his work with coach Dennis Pugh as particularly instrumental in his improved form.
"I'm back working with Dennis Pugh and that's been really nice," Molinari said. "He's always been great, sort of simplifying stuff for me and clearing stuff out of my mind that doesn't need to be there. Definitely been the biggest help." Though Pugh no longer travels to tournaments, Molinari meets with him regularly at home.
Chasing Pack and Notable Performances
Sweden's Mikael Lindberg emerged as Molinari's closest challenger after posting a solid 67 that included four birdies and an eagle. Switzerland's Joel Girrbach and South African JC Ritchie sit one shot further back in a tie for third place after both carded 68s.
Shane Lowry bounced back strongly from his disappointing finish at the Dubai Invitational, where he blew a one-shot lead on the final hole. The Irishman recorded five birdies in his opening 70 to sit at two under par, joined by Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton.
Hatton Addresses LIV Golf Controversy
Defending champion Hatton, playing his first competitive round of 2026, expressed satisfaction with his opening score. The Englishman also addressed Rory McIlroy's recent comments regarding fines for LIV Golf players, including Hatton and Jon Rahm.
"I guess something will get sorted from hopefully something soon," Hatton told reporters regarding the fine situation. "I think everyone's pretty keen for that to happen. We'll see what happens." Both Hatton and Rahm were sanctioned for playing in LIV Golf events while still DP World Tour members, though they appealed and their cases remain unresolved.
Pre-Tournament Favourites Struggle
Pre-tournament favourites Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood endured disappointing opening rounds, both carding one-over-par 73s to sit well down the leaderboard in a tie for 61st place.
World number two McIlroy recorded his worst opening score in two decades of competing at the Dubai Desert Classic. The Masters champion's round unravelled at the par-5 18th hole - his ninth of the day - where he duffed a straightforward approach shot into the water guarding the front of the green, resulting in a costly seven.
McIlroy managed birdies at the third, sixth and tenth holes but couldn't overcome his early struggles. Playing partner Fleetwood similarly struggled with three bogeys on his front nine, leaving both star players with significant ground to make up in the coming rounds.
The tournament continues with Molinari looking to maintain his momentum while the chasing pack, including Lindberg, Girrbach and Ritchie, attempt to close the gap on the Italian leader.
