Rory McIlroy is not playing at the level we have come to expect, but has precedence to lean on at the Hero Desert Dubai Classic.

Rory McIlroy is making his 2025 debut in the desert. He will be joined by Jon Rahm, Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Relive the best shots and biggest moments from Round 1 action at the DP World Tour's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place at Emirates Golf Club.

Indian golfer Veer Ahlawat debuts at the US$ 8M Hero Dubai Desert Classic after a stellar season. Can he shine on this global stage?

PGA Tour player Grayson Murray took his own life, hours after withdrawing from a tournament in Texas. The incident shook the sport, highlighting the mental health challenges facing some of the world’s top players.

If Rory McIlroy is to emulate the history of the likes of Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo, he will have to repeat his own history here at the Desert Classic.

Thursday's opening round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic delivered an unexpected twist when a trio of underdogs stole the spotlight from marquee names like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm to soar to the summit of the leaderboard after 18 holes.