DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Rory McIlroy showcased his resilience as he recovered from a quadruple bogey to shoot a solid 1-under 70 on Friday, securing his position as the leader at the halfway point of the Dubai Invitational. The No. 2-ranked Northern Irishman displayed his exceptional skills, sinking a nearly 30-foot putt for birdie on the par-3 16th and finishing the second round with a two-stroke lead on 10-under 132 overall at the Dubai Creek Resort.
Although McIlroy had surprised even himself with a spectacular first-round 62, he continued to impress in the second round. He started off strong with back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth holes. However, a slight setback occurred at the par-3 eighth, where he pulled his tee shot into the water and repeated a similar mistake from the drop zone. With determination, he managed to salvage a bogey by placing his fifth shot onto the green and needing just two putts.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy commented, 'If I look at the other 17 holes that I played — I played very, very well again. I felt like I did well just to get my head back into it and play some solid golf on the way in. It's nice to go into the weekend still with the lead.'
Making a remarkable recovery, McIlroy went on to make birdies on the 10th, 13th, and 16th holes. He emphasized his satisfaction in giving himself several opportunities on the back nine, stating, 'I gave myself chances most of the back nine, which was nice, and I was able to convert a couple of them before that tough finishing stretch there on 17 and 18.'
As the tournament progresses, several players are close on McIlroy's heels. Jordan Smith, Zander Lombard, Tommy Fleetwood, Thorbjorn Olesen, and Thriston Lawrence are all trailing by three shots, showcasing their determination to challenge the leader.
For McIlroy, the Dubai Invitational holds a special significance. The tournament, set in a relaxed environment with no cut and a 60-man field, allows him to ease into the 2024 season. Having lived in Dubai and frequently visiting early in the year to fine-tune his game, McIlroy feels at home and comfortable within these surroundings.
The Dubai Invitational continues to captivate golf enthusiasts with its talented field and breathtaking performances. As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Rory McIlroy to see if he can maintain his lead and secure victory at this prestigious event.
