Luke Donald ‘Ryding’ high in Abu Dhabi

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald closed his opening round with four successive birdies to take the early lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the first Rolex Series event of the season.

The Englishman made the turn at four under par and dropped just one shot during his inward nine as that quartet of closing birdies saw him post an opening eight under par round of 64 at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

“Just playing here the last couple days, I felt like there was some low scores out here as long as the wind didn’t blow too hard. Just kind of suits my eye. It’s not too tight off the tee. I think you have to pick some good lines,” Luke Donald added.

Migliozzi looking to make an impression on the Ryder Cup Captain sits just one shot back of Donald.

The 45-year-old leads by one from Italy’s Guido Migliozzi, who won the Hero Cup as part of Team Continental Europe last week, and Australian Jason Scrivener, as the pair both opened with seven under rounds of 65 on Yas Island.

Seamus Power might be playing the event for the first time but just two shots back from Donald he’s proved he can hit the ground running.

The morning groups enjoyed the better of the scoring with conditions more favourable, and it is Ireland’s Séamus Power, making his debut in this event, who lies fourth on six under par, with seven players a shot further back.

Two of those sitting on five under are Italian brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari, both of whom shared the best round of the afternoon to sit three off the lead after 18 holes.

Darkness descended on Yas Links with round one incomplete, therefore those still with holes to play will return on Friday to finish their rounds. There is no change to round two tee times.

Share this article
What's in the bag
Swing Sequence

Lowry Swing Sequence

By Stephen Deane – Head International Development Coach for Dubai Golf...

Drive It Like Rory McIlroy

By Jonathan Craddock, Peter Cowen Academy Dubai When it comes to...

Related articles

17 hours ago

MENA GOLF TOUR NAMES RICHARD RAYMENT AS GENERAL MANAGER

The MENA Golf Tour has today announced the appointment of Richard...
2 days ago

Ryan Fox targets French glory as Ryder Cup stars battle at Bethpage

With many Ryder Cup big names locked into Bethpage this week,...
2 days ago

Rory McIlroy confirms return to Dubai for 2026 Hero Desert Classic

Dubai golf fans, get ready. Rory McIlroy is coming back to...