Rory McIlroy gets two-shot penalty at Abu Dhabi Championship

“I guess the technical term for the rule is if you press down on the piece [of grass]. I don’t feel like I pressed down. But at the same time, I don’t want the perception of, like, people thinking like I got away with something either.

“So I’m happy to take a 2-shot penalty and move on and move into tomorrow.”

“I don’t feel like I pressed down. But at the same time, I don’t want the perception of, like, people thinking like I got away with something either. So I’m happy to take a 2-shot penalty and move on and move into tomorrow.”

Rory McIlroy speaks after his opening round 70 at the… pic.twitter.com/9HhuK72Egn

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Laporta fired a bogey-free 62 featuring eight birdies and an eagle to open up a three-shot lead over Jon Rahm, Bernd Wiesberger and Sam Bairstow.

Kiwi Daniel Hillier opened with a three-under 69 to sit in a share of 22nd as he looks to secure a PGA Tour card for next season with a top 10 finish in the season standings.

Rahm, making his tournament debut after agreeing a departure from LIV Golf last month, had not played since September following the birth of his daughter.

The 36-year-old Laporta is seeking his first European Tour win while also bidding to climb into the 50-player field for the season-ending Tour Championship next week in Dubai.

“Everything was just going like a video game, like just hitting shots straight and making some putts and just giving myself opportunities,” said Laporta. “I’m very happy about that.”

Current Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra matched McIlroy with an opening 70, while second-placed Patrick Reed struggled and finished two over par for the day.