GOLF - UPDATE: Rory McIlroy stormed to the top of the leaderboard on the first day of the Dubai Desert Classic where he was closely pursued by fellow countryman Graeme McDowell before a closing double-bogey left a sour taste in sweltering conditions at the Emirates Golf Club.

The Holywood teenager was clearly in his element in the desert heat and found tight pin placements with ease with a masterclass in ball-striking. The 19-year-old carded a total of nine birdies and just one dropped shot at the 13th in his eight-under round of 64.

Starting on the back nine he opened with two birdies and went on to reach the turn on 33. McIlroy’s inward stretch was even more impressive as he returned in just 31, including a final birdie at the ninth, his 18th.

Aside from great iron shots, the world number 39 said his ability to convert the birdie chances helped him shoot a great low opening round.

“I putted really nicely out there today, it was especially good from 15 feet and in,” said McIlroy after his round. “I’ve been working hard on my game and as long as I keep doing my practice drills things should be okay.

The Emirates is also a part of the world where the teenager enjoys competing and his primary sponsor is a leading hotel group in Dubai.

“This is my fourth time competing in this event. I played two as an amateur and managed to make the cut in one of those. It’s obviously a venue I like coming to,” he added.

McIlroy leads by one shot from Sweden’s Robert Karlsson’s, who matched the leader’s front nine of 31 en route to a 65.

McDowell had found the going good and was four-under at one point. The 29-year-old also started on the back nine and picked up three birdies to turn in 34. From there further birdies came at the second (his 11th) and fifth before a first bogey of the day came at the sixth. However, a disappointing six at the ninth, his 18th, meant he had to settle for a 70.

Paul McGinley was next of the Irish contingent on one-under after three holes, while Gareth Maybin was level through seven. Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane both carded one-over 73s.

It was a hugely frustrating day for Darren Clarke, whose round of 74 contained an eagle and three birdies, but all the good work was undone by no less than five bogeys and a double bogey six at the second, his 11th.

Gary Murphy was also way off the pace with his three-over 75.