It seemed astonishing to recall Rory McIlroy began day three of this Dubai Desert Classic 10 shots off the lead. By the time the defending champion was undertaking media duties, he topped the leaderboard. A 63 and some vintage McIlroy means a record-breaking fourth Desert Classic crown is within his grasp.
By the setting of the desert sun, McIlroy’s position was not as formidable as in the immediate aftermath of his round. Cameron Young, the 36-hole leader, recovered from front-nine wobbles to post a 71 and edge two clear of McIlroy. Can the American, a debutant here, withstand pressure from McIlroy on day four? The pair will play together. Adrian Meronk remains a key part of the conversation, tied with McIlroy at 12 under par after adding a 70 to rounds of 68 and 66.
Yet this was undeniably McIlroy’s day. For the second time in as many Dubai Sundays he will play in a tournament’s final pairing. “It would be amazing,” said McIlroy of the prospect of victory. “First player to get my name on it four times would be awesome.
“I’ve had so much success in Dubai, whether it be at this tournament or at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Race to Dubai. It’s been a really, really good place to me. I love coming back here.”
Superb approach play helped him to birdie the 1st, 3rd and four holes in succession from the 7th. Things slowed down somewhat thereafter as he only collected a shot at the par-five 13th. He was to save the best until last. From the fringe behind the 18th green, he curled home a glorious putt for an eagle three. The crowd roar and McIlroy’s celebration dictated how significant that moment may prove. At this venue, McIlroy always feels he has a chance.
“It’s a combination of the course and the way the course is set up,” he said. “If you play very, very well, it enables you to go low. But if you are just slightly off, you can feel you have played well but shoot the scores I did on the first two days, 71-70. But when you are behind, having a course set up like this where the misses are penal and the greens are firm, it gives guys a chance from the pack to shoot a good score.”
Nine under par ties McIlroy’s lowest score at this venue. It did not take Young at all by surprise. “You expect him to do that,” he said. “I figured he wasn’t going to be 30th for long.”
Tommy Fleetwood confirmed he has received an approach from LIV after it emerged the European Ryder Cup player had rejected a multimillion pound offer from the Saudi Arabian-backed tour. Fleetwood and fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton are among players who have been identified by LIV before its third season.
“People have been getting approached for a long time,” said Fleetwood. “I don’t think it’s news that people are still getting approached by LIV. Some people will go, some won’t. At some point we will either all play together or we won’t. I will always do what I think is best for my game.”
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Hatton was similar in theme, although his management have insisted there has been no formal offer to the 32-year-old, he remains an LIV target. “I’d say there’s several people have had conversations,” he said. “That’s part and parcel of golf at the moment but I’m quite happy playing PGA Tour and DP World Tour. There’s a lot of people have [had conversations] and I don’t think there is anything to shy away from.”
Pressed on whether he would be remaining on the traditional tours, Hatton said: “As of right now, yes.” LIV appears to have a window of opportunity.
