Francesco molinari

Hero Dubai Desert Classic: Francesco Molinari rolled back the years with a stunning 65 to lead by two shots after a windy first round at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The Italian, who has not been in the winner's circle since claiming The 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2018, made light work of the breezy conditions at Emirates Golf Club thanks to eight birdies and one dropped shot.

Play was suspended at 5.50 pm local time due to darkness, with nine players to complete their first rounds on Friday morning.

It was a rough start for India’s Yuvraj Sandhu, who had an early birdie on the 13th, his fourth hole, but lost a ball on the 17th and twice incurred penalties on the way to a triple bogey.