Rory McIlroy hits shot into lady's lap at DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy struck his tee shot into a lady's lap on the par-3 13th during the first round of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

McIlroy, 34, went on to card a 1-under 71 in the opening round of the DP World Tour season finale where he has automatically wrapped up a fifth career Race to Dubai title no matter what happens.

The Northern Irishman hit a number of decent shots in the first round but also a couple of errant ones, none bigger than his tee shot on the unlucky 13th.

McIlroy sprayed his shot way right of the green at the par-3 hole and it ended up in the lap of a lady spectator who was lying down on the ground.

The World No.2 trudged over to his ball and then jokingly went to play it as it lie.

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It drew laughter from the gallery, many of whom had their phones out to capture the hilarious moment. 

McIlroy called in a rules official and was handed the golf ball from the lady.

He then took his drop from knee height.

McIlroy chipped up short of the hole to some 10 feet but would then miss the par save to record a second consecutive bogey.

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Rory McIlroy's tee shot lands on spectator 's lap! #DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/Yklsw5Nqhq

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 16, 2023

He responded with a birdie on the 15th but would hand it back with a bogey at 16.

McIlroy parred the final two holes for a round of 71 to see him lie T15 and four strokes off the pace currently set by French duo Julien Guerrier and Matthieu Pavon and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard.

After the round, McIlroy explained to reporters why he decided to resign from the PGA Tour's policy board.

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