Update

Look: Action from Day 1 of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links

DP World Tour Rolex Series event throws up some surprises

Published: January 20, 2022 15:12 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

1 of 15

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship got the rebranded DP World Tour 2022 season up and running in the UAE on Thursday Image Credit: AP

2 of 15

There were plenty of big names in town for the tournament, including Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Lee Westwood Image Credit: AP

3 of 15

It was not a great day for four-time major winner McIlroy, who had to settle for a level-par 72, nine strokes of the lead Image Credit: AP

4 of 15

Scotland's Scott Jamieson led the way with a blemish-free 63 at Yas Links Image Credit: DP World Tour

5 of 15

Dubai-based Rafa Cabrera Bello dazzled in a pink number in the UAE capital Image Credit: AP

6 of 15

Defending champion Hatton ensured he stayed in the hunt with a 66 Image Credit: AP

7 of 15

Westwood, who won here in 2019, had to settle for a one-under 71 Image Credit: AP

8 of 15

There is a strong US contingent in Abu Dhabi, but Sean Crocker could only manage a 74 Image Credit: AP

9 of 15

And reigning Open championship and DP World Tour champion Collin Morikawa could only muster a one-over 73 Image Credit: AP

10 of 15

France's Victor Perez was just off the lead after his 66 put him alongside Hatton Image Credit: AP

11 of 15

England's Ian Poulter is in a tie for fourth on six-under Image Credit: AP

12 of 15

So is Takumi Kanaya, who eagled two of the first six holes Image Credit: AP

13 of 15

Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington carded a level-par 72 Image Credit: Abu Dhabi Championship Twitter

14 of 15

The terrain can get a little tough if you stray off course at Yas Links Image Credit: HSBC twitter

15 of 15

But it is a long competition, and there is still all to play for before we discover the champion on Sunday Image Credit: AP

Golf in UAE Photos & Videos

Look: Action from Day 1 of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links

More From Golf in UAE

Neergaard-Petersen wins UAE Challenge

Nienaber shines on day three of the UAE Challenge

Dubai's Craig makes the cut on Challenge Tour debut

Trio set pace on day one at Saadiyat Beach

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Look: Action from Day 1 of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links

More From Golf in UAE

Neergaard-Petersen wins UAE Challenge

Nienaber shines on day three of the UAE Challenge

Dubai's Craig makes the cut on Challenge Tour debut

Trio set pace on day one at Saadiyat Beach

GULFNEWS SECTIONS