DUBAI: Rory McIlroy's attempt to exorcise the demons of 2022 failed as he went into the lake guarding the 18th green once again. But this time at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy still has the luxury of a three-shot cushion and has a full round to go, with the event having a rare Monday finish. McIlroy shot 7-under 65 as he broke free from being two behind the 36-hole leaders to a three-shot solo lead after 54.
When he came to the 18th tee, McIlroy was bogey free for the day, four shots ahead of the field and had a little over 250-yards to get to the 18th green in two. He was looking for an eagle at a hole that gave him a lot of grief a year ago in the same event. Last year, it was the fourth and final day and McIlroy was shut out of a playoff that Viktor Hovland won against Richard Bland. This time again McIlroy tried the same second shot and had the same result. This time he has another chance on Monday.
