Rory Roars To Lead in Hong Kong Golf Open at Hong kong Golf Club
Roaring start
Friday, December 02, 2011
US Open champion Rory McIlroy made light of blustery conditions as he threw down the gauntlet on his rivals at the UBS Hong Kong Open by shooting an opening-round six-under 64.
While most of the marquee names, including defending champion Ian Poulter, struggled in swirling winds at the Hong Kong Golf Club, McIlroy had a bogey-free start for a share of the lead in the US$2.75 million (HK$21.45 million) tournament serving as the penultimate leg of both the European and Asian tours.
“I was able to handle the wind pretty well. This is probably the best round that I have played here,” the world No2 said.
Long-hitting Alvaro Quiros of Spain and England’s David Horsey made a late charge in more benign conditions to catch McIlroy at the top of the leaderboard.
Quiros chipped a birdie on the 18th in a round spiked by an eagle, while Horsey had a simple tap- in at the last after a superb nine-iron approach shot.
“It was a pleasing start. I missed just two greens all day and had a couple of sand saves which was nice as it kept the momentum going,” Horsey said.
“I think you have to be lucky to shoot low under these conditions,” Quiros said.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, who has twice finished runner-up here in the past three years, admitted he had plenty of work to do to win the title and put the pressure on world No1 Luke Donald in the race for the European Tour money title ahead of next week’s season-ending event in Dubai.
“There is still a long way to go, another 54 holes left. I should know, having led a lot of tournaments from the first day,” McIlroy said.
“I have been getting myself into positions in the start. But I felt this year I’ve definitely let two or three tournaments slip away from me. That’s something I’ve been trying to work on.
“But, as long as I get myself in these positions and start winning more regularly, I think then it becomes a habit and hopefully I will do it more often.”
Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, a two-time winner here, stood one shot behind the leaders after a 65.
Poulter, who played alongside McIlroy, struggled with a cold putter – making just one birdie – on his way to a one-over 71.
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