Patrick Reed Dominates Dubai; McIlroy’s Hopes Diminish
Patrick Reed has established a commanding lead in the Dubai Desert Classic, taking a four-stroke advantage into the final round. He posted an impressive score of 5-under 67 at Emirates Golf Club on Saturday, raising his total to 14-under 202 for the tournament.
McIlroy’s Hopes Fade
Rory McIlroy, who aimed for a record-extending fifth title, faced challenges throughout his round. He started the day trailing Reed by seven strokes and finished with a score of 71, leaving him 11 strokes back.
Standings and Performance
- Patrick Reed: 67, 14-under total
- David Puig: 66, second place
- Viktor Hovland: 65, tied for second
- Rory McIlroy: 71, 11 strokes behind
- Tommy Fleetwood: 73, yet to break par
- Tyrrell Hatton: 76, tied for 42nd
Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, has transitioned to the LIV Golf circuit, winning multiple events. “I know it’s not going to be easy, it never is,” Reed noted, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining a lead.
Upcoming Challenges
David Puig, another LIV player, made significant strides with his 66, indicating strong potential for the final round. Meanwhile, Hovland, ranked No. 14, showcased a solid performance with a bogey-free round but expressed concerns about his swing. He aims to regain confidence in his game as he competes in his first event of the year.
The final round promises excitement, with Reed in a prime position to claim victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, while McIlroy’s title hopes appear to be dwindling rapidly.
