Why Rory McIlroy was left ‘disappointed’ despite carding a 66 in his first round of the DP World Tour Championship

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Rory McIlroy enjoyed a fantastic start to the DP World Tour Championship with a six-under 66 carded in round one.

An award was named in honor of McIlroy ahead of the tournament, which brings an end to the latest DP World Tour season.

McIlroy won the DP World Tour Championship last time out, helping him claim his third consecutive Race to Dubai crown and his sixth overall.

Colin Montgomerie won seven Race to Dubai titles in a row in his stunning career, adding another shortly after to extend his record.

But McIlroy now has another chance to close the gap on the Scot, which is now a very real possibility after his strong start at the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Rory McIlroy left ‘disappointed’ despite first round 66 at the DP World Tour Championship

He finished his opening round tied for third in the leaderboard, just two shots behind solo leader Michael Kim on eight-under.

It was also his 50th round of 66 or better at the Earth Course, but there was still disappointment afterwards, with McIlroy saying: “Yeah, got off to the perfect start, making three birdies in a row.

“Yeah, I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I’ve had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots.

“I feel like 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.

“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.”

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Rory McIlroy suggests if he has any weaknesses in his game right now

McIlroy would have been happier at the very top of the leaderboard, but there’s every chance he ends there after day two given his current form.

His disappointment isn’t exactly a surprise, with the Northern Irishman having set such high standards for himself over the years.

And despite his very minor shortcomings, he was reminded after his round that commentators suggested he has no weaknesses given his improved wedge play and putting.

Asked if he agrees, the five-time major champion responded: “I think when my game is on, it feels that way.

“But I definitely feel like I’ve made big strides in those two departments in the game over the last few years. I finished in the top 5 in strokes gained putting on the PGA Tour this year for the first time.

“Definitely I feel like my wedge play is a lot better, and you know, if I drive the ball well, then I give myself so many opportunities from inside 150.

“And if that part of my game is sharp, you know, I feel like I give myself plenty of opportunities. I think that’s why when I do play well, I’m consistently up there.”

It is indeed a course and a tournament where McIlroy has thrived, most recently by lifting the trophy last year.

Remarkably, he’s earned 11.56% of his career DP World Tour total earnings there with his stunning figure of €7.7million.

Only Marco Penge and Tyrrell Hatton can challenge McIlroy for the Race to Dubai title, and they sit in T46 and T22 respectively after Thursday’s action.