Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship - Day one digest

Friday, 20 January 2023

Everything you need to know from Thursday's first round at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

Ryder Cup Captain Donald shone brightest as a star-studded field battled it out on day one of the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday's first round at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

Captain Fantastic

Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald has a lot on his plate at the moment, with September's biennial contest on the horizon. But that did not stop him from putting on a show on Thursday. The morning starter carded nine birdies and a single bogey, closing his remarkable 64 with a run of four successive gains to reach eight under par. The 45-year-old was not surprised by his impressive display, saying: "I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot. It's not totally surprising that I shot 64 today. The last couple of days I've been hitting it nicely, swinging well, and it was nice to carry that on today." Although he's not thinking about making his way into the European team at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. "1975 I think the last time that happened," he added. "No, we are a long way from that."

Fleetwood's "best birthday present"

Tommy Fleetwood celebrated turning 32 with a bogey-free 68 but he said playing with Shane Lowry was his greatest gift on Thursday. "Best birthday present was playing with Shane, so happy with that," he said.

Levy back in action

Alexander Levy is making his first DP World Tour start since the Ras al Khaimah Classic in February 2022 this week. And it was like he'd never been away, as he posted a flawless 68 to sit four shots off the lead after 18 holes. He said: "It's nice. It feels great. I was so excited to be here today. Yeah, and I just enjoyed."

After 11 months out, @alexlevygolf is back 💪 #ADGolfChamps | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/yRlot8Jw9S
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 19, 2023

Hatton's run of pars

Tyrrell Hatton didn't make a birdie in Thursday's opening round - but he didn't drop a shot either. He parred each and every single one of his opening 18 holes to sign for a 72.

Meronk goes agonisingly close

Adrian Meronk's approach shot into the par-four 14th looked for all the world to be spinning back into the hole for an eagle but instead shaved the right edge. He had to settle for a tap-in birdie.