Rory McIlroy assessed two-shot penalty after being caught improving lie, admits video 'doesn't look very good'

What happened: Rory McIlroy was assessed a two-shot penalty after his opening round at the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour, following review of video from the Par 4 12th hole where a tuft of grass did not return to its original position behind his ball. Key numbers: Opening round 68 became 70 after the penalty; double bogey on 12 became an eight; he is eight shots back of the lead; he had Why it matters: McIlroy said there was no intent and that he plays by the rules, adding that the video "doesn't look very good," and said he was happy to take the two-shot penalty and move on.

Rory McIlroy was assessed a two-shot penalty after his opening round at the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour, following review of video from the Par 4 12th hole where a tuft of grass did not return to its original position behind his ball.

McIlroy said there was no intent and that he plays by the rules, adding that the video "doesn't look very good," and said he was happy to take the two-shot penalty and move on.