Rory McIlroy trailed leader Patrick Reed by seven strokes after two rounds at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with the Northern Irishman aiming to claim his third title in four years. McIlroy carded a three-under 69 on Friday, improving on his one-over 73 from the first day and boosting his hopes of overtaking Reed.
The US golfer, who won this event twice in 2023 and 2024, maintained his nine-under-par lead at Emirates Golf Club after a solid second round. McIlroy's eight-stroke deficit had narrowed to seven strokes going into Saturday's third round.
McIlroy's improvement on Friday was largely due to his long game, which clicked into gear after a mediocre first day. He picked up six birdies and three bogeys, with the latter occurring at holes four, six, and 12.
Reed, meanwhile, continued his relentless charge as he extended his lead over McIlroy. The American carded a six-under-par round of 66 to take a one-shot advantage, thanks in part to an eagle at the 18th hole. Reed's seven-under-par total was three strokes clear of second-placed England's Andy Sullivan.
Sullivan, a four-time winner on the DP World Tour, closed with a 65 to leapfrog Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton into sixth place. The Englishman had started the day eight strokes behind leader Molinari but responded in style, reeling off gains at holes three through six and then securing an eagle at his final hole.
Hatton, meanwhile, posted a respectable 69 after narrowly escaping disaster when he chipped-in for an eagle on the 17th. The defending champion remains four back of Reed but has a chance to make up ground in the final round.
As McIlroy gears up for the final day, he expressed his confidence in challenging Reed's lead. The Northern Irishman acknowledged that conditions would only improve, with winds picking up and greens growing firmer as the tournament progresses.
The US golfer, who won this event twice in 2023 and 2024, maintained his nine-under-par lead at Emirates Golf Club after a solid second round. McIlroy's eight-stroke deficit had narrowed to seven strokes going into Saturday's third round.
McIlroy's improvement on Friday was largely due to his long game, which clicked into gear after a mediocre first day. He picked up six birdies and three bogeys, with the latter occurring at holes four, six, and 12.
Reed, meanwhile, continued his relentless charge as he extended his lead over McIlroy. The American carded a six-under-par round of 66 to take a one-shot advantage, thanks in part to an eagle at the 18th hole. Reed's seven-under-par total was three strokes clear of second-placed England's Andy Sullivan.
Sullivan, a four-time winner on the DP World Tour, closed with a 65 to leapfrog Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton into sixth place. The Englishman had started the day eight strokes behind leader Molinari but responded in style, reeling off gains at holes three through six and then securing an eagle at his final hole.
Hatton, meanwhile, posted a respectable 69 after narrowly escaping disaster when he chipped-in for an eagle on the 17th. The defending champion remains four back of Reed but has a chance to make up ground in the final round.
As McIlroy gears up for the final day, he expressed his confidence in challenging Reed's lead. The Northern Irishman acknowledged that conditions would only improve, with winds picking up and greens growing firmer as the tournament progresses.
. Seven strokes ain't nothing to sneeze at, but McIlroy's got that long game thing goin' on, so maybe he can work some magic 
. Reed's been pretty consistent, but you never know what's gonna happen in golf - one bad hole and it all falls apart 
. The winds are supposed to pick up this weekend, which might actually favor McIlroy, as firmer greens can't hurt his chances 
. We'll see how it all plays out on the final day! 
what if the winds pick up even more saturday? might actually work in mcilroy's favor 
! I think Rory McIlroy has a good shot at catching up with Patrick Reed in the last round 
️. I'm loving the drama unfolding at Emirates Golf Club - it's anyone's game at this point! 
. And honestly, who needs more golf in Dubai when we've got the real prize: the perfect tan and some mediocre golfing outfits to show off on Instagram? 
7 strokes is still a massive gap to close in one round, but Rory's got the game to make it happen! He's been struggling on his short game all week, so if he can find that magic again, watch out! Patrick Reed's got this lead for a reason, but I've seen Rory do the impossible before. Bring it on, Saturday! 
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! He was struggling on the first day but came out guns blazing on Saturday and Sunday. I mean, six birdies in one round? That's clutch! Patrick Reed is definitely a tough opponent, but I think McIlroy has what it takes to take him down. The course is always tricky here at Emirates Golf Club, especially with the wind picking up like it will be today. It'll be a real battle between these two guys 
But at the same time, I've got to give it to Patrick Reed - that eagle on 18 was a clutch shot! 
The way he's playing, it's gonna be tough for McIlroy to catch up. Can't wait to see what Sunday brings though! 
. Rory McIlroy's sudden improvement on Friday is way too suspicious... like he got some inside info from someone in the know 
. What's with all these eagles and birdies popping up left and right? Coincidence, I don't think so... there's gotta be a hidden agenda here, maybe some shady deals being made behind the scenes 
. And what about Tyrrell Hatton, he just fell off like that? Did someone give him a little "nudge" to make way for McIlroy or something? 
I think Rory's got a good shot at it now that he's got his long game going 
but Patrick Reed is just on fire 
seven under par is insane for round two! 
anyway, can't wait to see how McIlroy bounces back on Saturday 
read more about it here: 
The way he improved his long game on Friday was huge, and those six birdies will definitely give him a boost going into Saturday 
And let's be real, who doesn't love an underdog story? 
. Anyway, Patrick Reed's still looking strong, but I'm guessing the winds will make everything more unpredictable 
. Can't wait to see what happens in the final round!