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Ian Poulter posted a first-round 65 to take an early lead in the Rolex Series event, with Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed returning on Friday to post opening-round 66s. – watch throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf
Last updated: 27/01/23 13:37
The Heroes of the Dubai Desert Classic will end on Monday due to storms
The DP World Tour has confirmed that the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will be dragged to Monday due to weather delays during the Rolex Series event.
Players and officials were informed on Thursday morning that the Emirates Golf Club was “inaccessible”, with those in attendance urged not to attempt to travel to the course as some fairways were flooded.
The first round of Thursday’s event was delayed after overnight heavy rain left the course unplayable, with a massive clean-up operation required by ground staff before the course reopened and play began at 1.15pm local time.
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Highlights of Day One of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Tournament at Emirates Golf Club
Only 12 of the 132-man field made it through Thursday’s opening round, with half the field unable to start the tournament, with an additional delay on Friday morning putting the tournament further behind schedule.
Action on Friday was pushed back to 10am local time (6am GMT), with the first round only finishing in the afternoon and no field able to complete the 36 holes as scheduled.
Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed were among the returners to complete Friday’s opening round, with both posting six-under 66s to set up an early clubhouse lead, although neither could start the day’s second round.
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Rory McIlroy hit this amazing shot to get out of the sand that helped him to an opening round 66 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Ian Poulter led the first round after a chip-in birdie on the last hole helped him to a seven-under 65, with the Englishman and LIV member among those facing a quick turnaround before starting round two soon after.
Tournament organizers confirmed that the event will remain a 72-hole contest, with the second round completed on Saturday and the final two rounds postponed each day to Sunday and Monday.
Watch the Hero Dubai Desert Classic all week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Saturday with the Premier Group from 3.30pm on Sky Sports Golf before full coverage from 7pm.
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