Rory McIlroy opens Dubai Desert Classic 8 shots behind Molinari

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Rory McIlroy got off to a rough start in harsh conditions at the Dubai Desert Classic, taking a double-bogey 7 as part of a 1-over 73 that left the four-time champion eight shots behind Francesco Molinari on Thursday.

Molinari managed the strong wind and firm, slick greens with a 7-under 65 to build a two-shot lead over Mikael Lindberg of Sweden. The round was suspended with nine players left to complete the round on Friday morning.

McIlroy, who has not finished out of the top 10 in his last 12 appearances in the Dubai Desert Classic, began on No. 10 and was even par for his round when his wedge to…