Spieth sets sights on matching McIlroy, Woods and Mickelson

Rory McIlroy won the opening skirmish of his much anticipated battle with Jordan Spieth by two shots in his first competitive outing of the year at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.

Spieth picked up a bad time penalty after taking too long over a birdie putt at the par five eighth, his 17th hole of the day.

Spieth clearly felt aggrieved and meant to challenge the ruling, which he was told about on his final tee and which could yet lead to an embarrassing fine.

He was due to be in the first group teeing off the first hole today for his second round at 3.20am British time. Though the “penalty” for two such breaches would cost the game’s highest earner (and, of course, anyone else in violation) pocket change of some $2,800, Spieth was confused by the action.

“That’s why I really pushed to make my 2016 debut here”. “I got a bad time on my putt on the eighth when they took us off the clock on that green and the guys behind us hadn’t even reached the fairway on a par five”.

“Rory and Rickie [FOWLER]were very surprised”.

ABU DHABI – Former world No 1 Rory McIlroy said he was excited to start his new season in the company of the reigning world No1 Jordan Spieth. He had taken special permission from the Tour to let the players play with shorts.

When all is said and done, a golfer’s greatness is measured at the majors, so major victories will play a big part in the rivalry between Spieth and McIlroy.

The European Tour also announced a new Pace of Play policy on Wednesday, which CEO Keith Pelley hopes will cut rounds by at least 15 minutes.

“It was a bit of a weird one”, McIlroy said. Spieth had, indeed, taken one extra look at the line with the four-footer after his approach had nearly pitched full toss into the hole then came close again to going in as it spun back. “But if we’re in position [to the group in front], there’s no reason to time us”.

“I’ve learned to believe in myself”.

Not to be forgotten is the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course. “But I never really write those down because they are always there”, McIlroy said. He emerged from a two-month winter break with a week of practice in Dubai last week, and says he is refreshed and refocused.

The American amateur Bryson DeChambeau, the US Amateur Champion, leads the way at the top of the rankings after a stunning eight-under-par 64.

“I’m just growing in confidence and belief every single day”, said DeChambeau, who is regarded as one of the hottest young players in the sport after also winning the U.S. Amateur and NCAA titles in 2015.

Spieth, playing his first regular European Tour event, scrambled well to shoot a 68 but was put in the shade by McIlroy on a warm, wind-free morning in the gulf emirate. I could not be happier.