Patrick Reed has established a commanding four-stroke advantage heading into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic. On Saturday, he carded a 5-under 67 at Emirates Golf Club, bringing his total to 14-under 202 for the tournament. This performance featured seven birdies, including a tap-in at the 18th hole.
Challengers Close Behind
Following Reed’s impressive round, David Puig, another player from the LIV Golf tour, climbed to second place with a round of 66. Viktor Hovland also made a significant move, tying for the lowest score of the day with a 65, while Andy Sullivan carded a 71.
Reed’s Previous Achievements
- Former Masters champion
- Nine-time winner on the PGA Tour, including the 2018 Masters
- Joined LIV Golf in 2022, winning events in Dallas and Hong Kong
Reed acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining such a lead. “It’s not going to be easy, it never is,” he stated regarding the pressures of the final round.
McIlroy & Other High-Profile Competitors
Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2, faced a disappointing day. Starting seven strokes behind Reed, he finished with a par on his first nine holes and took a bogey on the last hole, ending with a score of 71. He is currently 11 strokes off the lead.
- Tommy Fleetwood, ranked No. 3, struggled with a 73, having yet to break par this week.
- Tyrrell Hatton encountered difficulties, scoring a 76, which placed him in a tie for 42nd.
In contrast, Puig has already celebrated a win on the European Tour this season, triumphing at the Australian PGA Championship in November.
Hovland’s Goals and Improvements
Viktor Hovland, ranked No. 14, is seeking a second title at the Dubai Desert Classic. He won in 2022 after starting the final round six shots back and winning in a playoff. Despite a bogey-free round on Saturday, Hovland expressed the need for further improvement in his swing.
“I still don’t feel entirely comfortable,” Hovland admitted. He added that he hopes to reach a point where he can play with more freedom and confidence.
Upcoming Challenges
The final round promises to be exciting, with Reed holding a four-stroke edge as he aims for victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. Competitors like Puig and Hovland are eager to capitalize on any opportunity to close the gap.
