Rory McIlroy has finished his opening round at the Abu Dhabi Championships just one off the lead following a great back nine.

The Holywood native was on 5-under - only a shot behind joint leaders Thomas Pieters, Gregory Bourdy and Branden Grace, and tied with Rickie Fowler in fourth - when he reached the clubhouse.

At the same juncture, Michael Hoey was among a group of six in 10th on 2-under, while Darren Clarke and Damien McGrane were yet to tee off.

Get used to seeing this in 2015! Both Rory and Rickie within a shot of the lead: http://t.co/iwMpONilKa pic.twitter.com/g8yg2ZtXw8

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 15, 2015