Rory Shows Off Improved Course Management, Physique

Lawrence Donegan points out that Rory McIlroy didn't hit the ball as well as playing partners Tiger Woods and Luke Donald, yet managed and scrambled his way past the two veterans by several shots.

The Northern Irishman, grouped alongside Tiger Woods and Luke Donald for the first round of the Abu Dhabi Championship, emerged with a three-shot advantage over the former world No1 and a four-shot lead over the man currently sitting atop golf's totem pole. As for the tournament itself, McIlroy was tied for the lead with Sweden's Robert Karlsson after 18 holes.

"I didn't feel like I played that good, but I did well to manage my way around the course," McIlroy said after shooting a five-under-par 67. Woods signed for a round of 70, and Donald for a 71. Goodness knows what scoring the American and the Englishman might need to match the world No3 were they to run into him on a good day.

Alistair Tait is blogging about the rounds and noted McIlroy's impressive physical transformation.

McIlroy, meanwhile, came off the course feeling as he had won the lottery.

“I didn’t feel like I played that good,” McIlroy said. “I definitely didn’t strike the ball as good as I have the last couple of weeks. I think it’s just because it’s your first competitive round of the season, card in your hand, you can get a little tentative or a little apprehensive. I was able to manage my way around the golf course and end up shooting 5 under. I’m very pleased.”

The two men spent a lot of time chatting during the round, and it was clearly obvious from watching them that McIlroy has taken a leaf out of Woods’ fitness book. The 22-year-old has filled out what was once a slender frame. He’s wider across the shoulders and his upper arms look as if he’s been doing some serious weights over the winter.

“I’ve been working hard in the gym. I really started working hard last year. I feel like I’ve got a lot stronger and it’s definitely helped my golf.

“I feel like my lower body has gotten a lot more stable and a lot stronger. That means you can put the club in a better position on the way down and you can do it more often, so you become a lot more consistent.”