DUBAI - Rory McIlroy took a big first step towards capturing a seventh Order of Merit crown when he opened with a six-under par 66 round on Thursday in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
McIlroy was two shots behind American Michael Kim, who was bogey-free in a round of 64, and one behind the red-hot Tommy Fleetwood of England, who did not drop a shot as well in his round of 65.
More importantly, the two players who still have a mathematical chance of beating McIlroy, England's Marco Penge and Tyrrell Hatton, did not have the best starts and were lagging far behind.
Penge, playing alongside McIlroy, opened with a two-over 74 to be tied 46th in the 52-man field, while Hatton finished on 70 and was tied 22nd.
"Got off to the perfect start, making three birdies in a row," said McIlroy, who was fast off the blocks in the first three holes.
"I felt like that was probably one of the best approach play rounds I've had in a long time.
"My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I don't want to sound like I'm that disappointed, but I feel like I left a few out there. I missed a couple of short ones," said the world No.2.
McIlroy is playing the championship for the 15th year, and showed his comfort on the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates where he has won three times, including last year.
"Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I'm very comfortable on and historically, I've played very well on," said the Northern Irishman.
- 'In the thick of things' -
With his closest challenger, Penge, dropping down, McIlroy felt it would work to his advantage when pairings change for the second round.
"I shot a really good score today and it puts me in the thick of things with three days to go," said the 36-year-old who became the first European to compile the career Grand Slam when he won the Masters back in April.
"So, I am 100 percent focused on what I am doing. After a day like today, I am not playing with Marco tomorrow. I can focus even more on my own game and try to win the tournament."