Former world number one Rory McIlroy has made his competitive comeback on the golfing scene as he took to the greens at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
McIlroy failed to partake in last year's championship suffering with a rib injury that kept him out of action for the entire season.
Nonetheless, the slow start didn't deter the 28-year-old who normally produces a solid display at the tournament.
McIlroy is playing with an opening three-under-par 69, as he tees up against playing partner and defending champion, Tommy Fleetwood.
Fleetwood was in the lead by just one shot, sitting in pole position on the leaderboard ahead of Fabrizio Zanotti and Dustin Johnson.
He managed to rack a flawless 66 to set the clubhouse target at six-under-par on day one of the EGA title race. 
Feature Image: The European Tour
