Francesco Laporta surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship on Thursday, carding a bogey-free 10-under-par 62 at Yas Links. The Italian golfer narrowly missed a chance to record only the second 59 in DP World Tour history, finishing three strokes clear of his nearest challengers.
Rory McIlroy, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, endured a difficult opening day after being assessed a two-shot penalty for a rules infringement. The penalty, applied post-round, turned his double-bogey six on the 12th hole into a quadruple-bogey eight, leaving him with a two-under 70.
The incident occurred after McIlroy’s third shot rolled back into a divot on the par-four 12th. Officials ruled that he improved his lie while assessing the ball, as video footage appeared to show grass being pressed down. McIlroy spent time in the scorer's hut discussing the situation with tournament officials before accepting the penalty.
"There's obviously no intent. I play by the rules and I try and do everything I can to never end up in these positions," McIlroy said. "I don't feel like I pressed down, but at the same time, I don't want the perception of people thinking that I got away with something. I'm happy to take the two-shot penalty and move on."
Laporta’s impressive round included an eagle and eight birdies, setting a strong pace in the first of two postseason playoff events on the European tour. Jon Rahm, Sam Bairstow, and Bernd Wiesberger share second place at seven-under, while Matthew Jordan and Adrian Meronk sit a further stroke back.
McIlroy’s playing partner, Eugenio Chacarra, who leads the Race to Dubai standings, finished the day tied with the Northern Irishman on 70. Patrick Reed, the third member of their group, struggled to a two-over 74 after a double-bogey on the final hole.
The tournament serves as a critical stop in the DP World Tour season, with only two events remaining before the finale. McIlroy, who has recorded 10 previous top-three finishes in Abu Dhabi without securing a victory, will look to recover ground in Friday's second round.
The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship continues on Friday, with live coverage scheduled to begin at 7am local time.
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