But the way he has started, McIlroy may well end up taking home the trophy.

The World No.2 made nine birdies in a bogey-free, nine-under 62 to take a two-shot clubhouse lead after the first round of the DP World Tour event on Thursday.

Yannik Paul, of Germany, shot 64 to lie two shots behind at Dubai Creek Resort, with South African Thriston Lawrence third after a 65.

McIlroy sees the Dubai event – a tournament in a relaxed setting, with no cut and a 60-man field – as a gentle way to ease into 2024.

In the team part of the event, he partnered Abdullah Al Naboodah, a non-executive director at the DP World Tour who helped set up the Dubai Invitational and is someone McIlroy counts as a good friend.

McIlroy looked at home in Dubai, where he once lived and is a regular visitor early in the year to fine-tune his game.

Starting his day on the 10th hole, the Northern Irishman made six birdies in eight holes.

"I think you just have to miss it in the right spots, there's some water here and there and I think I did a good job today of managing my misses on the right side and when I did hit good shots, I was available to take advantage of them." – Rory McIlroy.

The four-time major champion took the outright lead with a birdie from five feet at the 7th and made another at his final hole following a fantastic approach from the right rough, stumping one inside eight feet.

McIlroy, who will also defend his Dubai Desert Classic title next week, told Sky Sports: "I didn't expect that.

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

"When the wind gets up it can get a little bit tricky. We played the first 12 or 13 holes basically without any wind, and then there was a little coming in.

"I think you just have to miss it in the right spots, there's some water here and there and I think I did a good job today of managing my misses on the right side and when I did hit good shots, I was available to take advantage of them."