McIlroy, Woods make slow starts to Abu Dhabi event

ABU DHABI - Agence France-Presse

Golf superstars Rory McIlroy (L) and Tiger Woods have made a poor start to the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in the Emirati capital. AFP Photo

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods both looked short of form yesterday as they opened their 2013 campaigns at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

World No.1 McIlroy, playing for the first time in competition had two double-bogeys en route to a three-over par 75 that left him trailing down in 62nd place.

Playing partner and second-ranked Woods was wayward off the tee as he matched four birdies with four bogeys to come in at level par. Three-time Abu Dhabi winner Martin Kaymer bettered them with a one under 69 that left him four shots off the early pace set by Jamie Donaldson of Wales.

McIlroy admitted that he had lacked sharpness. “I feel like I was just a little bit rusty,” he said.
Woods said that narrow fairways, thick rough and cross-winds had made it a tough round for all the players. 

“Wanted to be able to shoot under par somehow and didn’t quite do it,” he added. “But I’m right there. If I two-putt the last hole, I’m in I think 12th or 13th or something like that.”