Rory McIlroy began his 2024 season in superb fashion as he carded a bogey-free 62 to set the early pace at the inaugural Dubai Invitational.

World number two McIlroy hit nine birdies to lead on nine under, two clear of Germany’s Yannik Paul.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood finished with a birdie to card a bogey-free five-under 66.

Nicolai Hojgaard, McIlroy and Fleetwood’s European Ryder Cup team-mate, is five back after a 67.

Starting on the 10th hole at Dubai Creek Resort, McIlroy picked up two birdies in his opening six holes before reeling off five in six from the 17th to the fourth.

The four-time major winner closed out his round with further birdies at the seventh and ninth.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his round, McIlroy said “I surprised myself a little bit” with how well he played.

“I didn’t expect that,” said McIlroy.

“It didn’t feel quite as good as that the first couple of days when I was here hitting balls and playing the course but it was nice to get a card in the hand again and feel the competitive juices flowing.

“I surprised myself a little bit but hopefully more of the same over the next few days.”

The five-time Race to Dubai winner added: “These pro-ams, I’m usually playing with my dad or this week with the tournament host, so there’s maybe a bit of added pressure.

“But it’s an easy week to get back into things and this is a nice week to do some extra practice so that I feel ready, not just for next week, which is obviously a bigger event [the Dubai Desert Classic], but going into the bulk of the season.”

The Dubai Invitational consists of 60 professionals and 60 amateurs. The 72-hole individual strokeplay tournament is played concurrently with a 54-hole pro-am team event, which runs from Thursday to Saturday.

There is no cut in the 72-hole pro event.

McIlroy, who is playing for the first time since November, will remain in the Middle East next week to defend his Dubai Desert Classic title.