Italian golfer Francesco Molinari delivered an impressive performance in the first round of the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, one of the region's most prestigious golf tournaments. He finished the day 7 under par with a score of 65, taking the lead. The 43-year-old Molinari is aiming to win his first title since his victory at The Open Championship in 2018. He already has 6 titles to his name, having started his collection with a win at the Italian Open in 2006. He is looking to make up for his early exit from last year's tournament, where he was just one stroke behind the leaders after two rounds. Molinari commented on his start: "Obviously, the word 'good' comes to mind. It wasn't a complete surprise, but I didn't expect a result like this." Other notable players also participated in the tournament. English champion Tyrrell Hatton finished 2 under par (70), while four-time champion Rory McIlroy finished 1 over par (73). Spanish player Manuel Elvira, winner of last week's Dubai tournament, finished 3 under par (69). Emirati player Adrian Otaegui finished level par (72), while Ahmed Skeik, captain of the national team, finished 6 over par (78). The exhibition Pro-Am tournament also featured competitions where professionals teamed up with amateurs. Team 'Nakheel', led by Spaniard Eugenio Chacara, won the first day with a score of 46 under par, while team 'Emirates Global Aluminium', led by New Zealander Ryan Fox, won the second day with a score of 27 under par.
