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McIlroy Trails Leaders as LIV Golf Tensions Rise

1/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Defending champion Rory McIlroy kicked off the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a "scrappy" score of 70, trailing the leaders by five strokes. Meanwhile, Ricardo Gouveia, David Micheluzzi, and amateur David Ford surged ahead, each at seven-under. McIlroy also voiced his disappointment over Tom McKibbin's possible move to LIV Golf, adding to the tournament's tension.

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Story summary

Defending champion Rory McIlroy kicked off the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a "scrappy" score of 70, trailing the leaders by five strokes. Meanwhile, Ricardo Gouveia, David Micheluzzi, and amateur David Ford surged ahead, each at seven-under. McIlroy also voiced his disappointment over Tom McKibbin's possible move to LIV Golf, adding to the tournament's tension.