McIlroy hit with two-shot penalty as Laporta leads in Abu Dhabi
Rory McIlroy’s double bogey on the par-four hole was later revised to an eight, leaving him with a two-under 70, eight shots behind leader Francesco Laporta in his bid for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
At the Abu Dhabi Championship on Thursday, Rory McIlroy received a two-stroke penalty for allegedly improving his lie on the 12th hole during his opening round. Italy's Francesco Laporta, seeking his first European Tour win, took advantage of the situation to lead with a bogey-free 62, featuring eight birdies and an eagle. This marked Laporta's significant opening, setting him three shots ahead of Jon Rahm, Bernd Wiesberger and Sam Bairstow.
McIlroy, who posted a two-under 70 and an eight, acknowledged the mistake, stating that he plays by the rules and tries to avoid such situations.
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- McIlroy boosts Race to Dubai title chances as Laporta leads in Abu Dhabi with first-round 62 sports.yahoo.com
- McIlroy hit with two-shot penalty as Laporta leads in Abu Dhabi freemalaysiatoday.com
- McIlroy hit with two-shot penalty as Laporta leads in Abu Dhabi al-monitor.com
- McIlroy boosts Race to Dubai title chances as Laporta leads in Abu Dhabi with first-round 62 winnipegfreepress.com
