by Friday afternoon, the organizers of Dubai Desert Classic had some reasons to panic. Jon Rahm had already left the tournament after 36 holes, Viktor Hovland was heading in the same direction and Rory McILroy was dangerously close to the Cup line. It was not the first time at the Emirates Club that McILroy has saved the bet; A birdie in the 18th allowed him to survive for the weekend with three shots to spare. Given McILroy’s specialization in this area-he aims for a third consecutive victory-a deficit of nine points compared to the leader, Ewen Ferguson, should not confuse the North Irish.
Rahm’s difficulties when he first departs in 2025 and his debut in this tournament caused a general shock. The second round of 77 of the Spanish, including two double bogeys, contrasts strongly with the 69 Thursday. “This is not the way you want to start the year,” admitted the Masters 2023 champion.
“But if there is a positive side, it is the beginning of the year. There is a lot of golf course and a lot of months to hope. I have a fairly clear idea of what I have to work on. During these next two weeks, I will go home and try to get better.
“I wouldn’t say that something went well. No part of today’s match was even average compared to what I would like to feel.
Ten out of 10 for the franchise. Rahm also admirably refused to criticize anything on the event itself. He plans to return despite this early outing. “I love the golf course, I love configuration,” he added. “There is nothing that I can say about this tournament.
“We generally do not see such a long and thick rough outside the major championships. So I think it shows that the test is correct. If the calendar allows, I would like to be here next year and I hope to get a redemption.
An icy putter was largely responsible for the discreet round of 71 from McILroy. While he committed a Bogey in the 15th to slide at least two, there were some anxious looks. “They are really delicate,” said McILroy about the Greens. “There are a lot of grains, a lot of grains that go to different directions, double thugs. I felt like I had a very good putts and burn many sides. So I must continue to try to make committed features and make good reads. Hopefully, sooner or later they will fall.
McILroy will have the opportunity to progress early on the third day. The 73 of Hovland meant that he was going over four. The Norwegian game remains clearly evolving, which already raises questions about his participation in the Ryder Cup later this year.
Ferguson finished in style in a declining light. The Dubai -based Scottish managed an approach to the 18th for Sharjah before bounced from a stand less than 5 feet from the hole. An eagle followed, his 65 allowing him to get ahead of Daniel Hillier at least 12. Tyrrell Hatton hides eight under normal.
