There was a time in the not-so distant past when Rory McIlroy remembered the second rounds of golf events for all the wrong reasons. Not so in Abu Dhabi, where the world No1 recorded his first hole in one as a tournament professional on Friday.

The Northern Irishman was three under par for his round and enduring a tricky time with his putter when reaching the tee at the par three 15th. His nine iron took two bounces before spinning into the cup, sparking scenes of celebration back on the tee.

McIlroy’s playing partners, Rickie Fowler and Matteo Manassero, were quick to congratulate the 25-year-old, who thereby moved to within three of the tournament leader, Martin Kaymer.

Rory McIlroy celebrates his ace. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

The age of nine is widely reckoned to be the first time McIlroy recorded a hole in one but his professional career thus far had borne witness to a series of near misses.

McIlroy will win no extra prize for his ace as the only hole at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club that carries such a thing is the 7th. Tom Lewis recorded a hole in one there on Thursday, earning him the keys to a brand new Cadillac.

McIlroy partnered Shane Lowry last November in Dubai, when the Irishman recorded his first hole in one in competition at the Earth Course’s 13th hole.