Patrick Reed holds a four-shot advantage in Dubai as McIlroy’s chances diminish.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Patrick Reed will enter the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic with a four-stroke advantage after posting a 5-under 67 on Saturday, while Rory McIlroy’s hopes of securing a record-extending fifth title have nearly vanished.
Reed, the former Masters champion currently competing on the LIV Golf circuit, tapped in at No. 18 for his seventh birdie of the third round at Emirates Golf Club, bringing his total to 14-under 202 for the tournament.
In pursuit of Reed was David Puig, another LIV competitor, who recorded a 66 to move into second place. One shot further back was Viktor Hovland, who carded a 65, matching the lowest round of the day, alongside Andy Sullivan (71).
Regarding No. 2-ranked McIlroy, the tournament’s marquee player began the round seven strokes behind the overnight leader Reed. McIlroy expressed optimism about making a weekend comeback on a course where he has claimed victory four times, but he finished with par on each of his first nine holes and bogeyed the last after missing a 2-foot par putt, resulting in a score of 71. He was 11 strokes behind.
