Patrick Reed has established a commanding four-shot lead at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic following an impressive third-round performance at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. The American golfer carded a composed 67, featuring seven birdies and two bogeys, to reach 14 under par for the tournament.
Reed's Commanding Performance
Reed, who began the day with a one-stroke advantage, quickly faced competition from Francesco Molinari. The Italian, who led after the first round, opened with three consecutive birdies, setting up an early battle for the top spot.
Despite a bogey on the first hole, Reed demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with birdies on the second and third to join Molinari at the summit. After dropping another shot at the sixth, he birdied the seventh to return to 10 under par.
Taking Control of the Tournament
The turning point came at the ninth hole, where Reed birdied to take the outright lead. From that moment, he never looked back, adding further birdies at the 10th, 13th, and 18th holes to extend his advantage.
"You're always excited showing up on Sunday with a lead," Reed commented after his round. "It's what we live for as players, and as competitors, is to have a chance on Sundays, and play late on Sundays, and battle it out with the guys."
Reed acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "I know it's not going to be easy, it never is, it doesn't matter how big of a lead you have, but I can't wait for it and looking forward to tomorrow."
McIlroy's Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who famously came from ten shots behind to win this event in 2024, failed to gain any momentum during the third round. The world number two parred the entire front nine before finally recording his first birdie at the 10th hole.
McIlroy managed another birdie at the 14th after hitting an excellent approach shot, but his round concluded with a disappointing bogey. His 71 leaves him at three under par for the tournament, sharing 27th place and sitting a substantial eleven shots behind the leader.
Chasing Pack Remains in Contention
David Puig sits in second place after carding a brilliant 66, putting him four shots behind Reed at ten under par. The Spanish golfer will be looking to mount a challenge during the final round.
Further down the leaderboard, Andy Sullivan and Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland share third position at nine under par. Italian duo Francesco Molinari and Andrea Pavan remain in contention at eight under, just one shot further back.
The stage is set for an exciting final day at the Emirates Golf Club, with Reed holding a significant advantage but facing determined challengers eager to close the gap.
