Abu Dhabi: Martin Kaymer has enjoyed plenty of success on the National Course, winning a trio of Falcon trophies here in 2008, 2010 and 2011, but the German endured a rollercoaster opening day at this year’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
Kaymer found the rough a bit more testing than on his previous outings and, after going from one-over through the first five holes to four-under and into the lead at one stage, he undid his good work with a double bogey near the end to eventually settle for a two-under 70.
“It was a little bit of a strange start but, on the other hand, it was difficult to play. Even though there was no wind, once you’re in the rough, it was tough as it was very, very thick rough,” said the former World No.1.
“When I started with that bogey on the fourth hole, it was fine as I knew you’re going to pick up one or two down the road anyways. I had it going very well and then, unluckily, I missed one drive, next to the tree and made a double bogey. But overall two-under par was a decent score.
“Even if you are three, four, or five-under you have to think of picking up another birdie here and there. This is just about playing hole by hole. It’s about hitting one shot at a time and waiting for your chances.”
Irish ace Rory McIlroy shot an impressive bogey-free round to be tied with Kaymer on two-under. The 24-year-old was pleased with his showing, saying: “I played well and I’m happy how I struck the ball from tee-to-green. I felt like I drove the ball really well, which you need to do around here because the rough is so thick.”
McIlroy, who had his chances to improve his position on the leaderboard with a couple of birdies towards the end, failed to capitalise on those chances.
“I should have made a birdie on the eighth, which was my 17th, and I had a good chance at the last as well. So it could have been a little better but no bogeys is also a solid start and I’m pleased with how I hit it,” said the Ulsterman, who won only one tournament in 2013, edging Adam Scott in the Australia Open in December.
World No.5 Phil Mickelson, who teed off with McIlroy and defending champion Jamie Donaldson, shot one-over after a bogey on the last followed 17 straight pars.
The 43-year-old American, playing his first competitive tournament after a few months off, said: “My swing feels a little rusty, but the short game was pretty good.
“I was a little bit tentative and played a little cautious, didn’t trust my swing too much. I haven’t been out competing, so it was a good way to get my feet wet.”
Like most, Mickelson was also critical of the thick rough and felt he had to be extremely careful to avoid risking injury.
“When you go really hard into it, it grabs your club, your body jars up. I kind of twinged my back there on the last hole. You have to wedge out and not risk injury. But it’s extremely thick and you need to get a lot of loft just to get it out to the fairway,” he said.
