Rory McIlroy is top of the leaderboard after a superb opening round at the DP World Tour Championship. 

The Holywood native is seven-under-par after a first round of 65 in Dubai.

A two-time winner of the event, McIlroy started in particularly impressive fashion, following a birdie at the first with an eagle three at the second.

He mixed in three birdies along with a bogey on the remainder of the front nine to go out in five-under 31.

The back nine was also a solid effort, coming home in two-under to sit at the top of the standings.

Recently, McIlroy confirmed that he had started working again with long-time coach Michael Bannon.

He says he has ended his period with Pete Cowen, who he turned to earlier this year.

Although he has won twice this year, McIlroy's form has been largely disappointing.

But he says much of his efforts have been focused on trying to learn about his game.

"I feel like it's been a year of exploration, learning," he said.

"There have been some good parts.

"Obviously, the couple wins in the States were nice. I was tied for the lead with nine holes to go at a major championship, at the US Open."

Shane Lowry is also at the upper end of the leaderboard despite a disappointing finish.

He signed for a three-under 72, but carded a bogey 6 at the par-five 18th.

Race to Dubai leader Collin Morikawa is at four-under, while another contender for the overall crown, Billy Horschel, posted a two-over 74.