Skip to content

Dubai Desert Classic: Andy Sullivan joint-top of the leaderboard after opening seven-under 65

Andy Sullivan: Fired a seven-under 65 in the opening round .
Image: Andy Sullivan: Fired a seven-under 65 in the opening round.

Andy Sullivan has described the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic as "one of the best in his life" after a seven-under 65 moved him joint-top of the leaderboard.

The 28-year-old recorded five birdies and an eagle during another impressive display, to share the early lead with Nicolas Colsaerts and Lee Westwood.

Sullivan did not look out of place playing in a group alongside world No 1 Rory McIlroy and reigning US Open Champion Martin Kaymer, but admits to feeling a little overawed.

“It was fantastic,” the world No 81 told Sky Sports 4. “It’s one of the best days of my life out there today, just watching Rory and Martin go at it.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Andy Sullivan has described the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic as

“I can’t really put into words at the moment how happy I am just to play with them guys, it’s a dream come true. You watch them on the telly, winning majors and playing in Ryder Cups and to play the way I did with them was unbelievable.

“When I first looked at the draw I thought they’d messed it up and there would be no way I can be playing with these guys.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and to be fair it took a lot of pressure off me. I didn’t really look at the leaderboard today as I was just watching those guys play golf.”

More from Dubai Desert Classic 2015

McIlroy is one shot back following an opening 66, with Kaymer in the group a further shot adrift after carding a five-under 67. 

Live European Tour Golf

Sullivan has made a strong start to the season with victory in last month's South African Open Championship and a solid performance at last week's Qatar Masters, but is refusing to get carried away with his first round display at the Emirates GC. 

“I’m confident off the back of the win and the performances I’ve been putting in, but to mix it up with them today is good," he said. "I think we all played well as well, so we brought out the best in each other.

“I’ll just go about the business the way I did, smile my way round and just enjoy the golf the way I have been.

“I’m playing really well, so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, not worry about them and enjoy tomorrow like I did today.”

Watch the secord round of the Dubai Desert Classic from 8.00am on Friday, live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.

Around Sky