McIlroy ends the day two shots off the lead, halfway through Dubai Desert Classic

Saturday, 28 January 2023 18:04

By ARN News Staff

Rory McIlroy hit just two fairways on Saturday at Emirates Golf Club but finds himself just two shots off the lead halfway through the behind-schedule Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

“I chipped and putted it well, and I sort of, you know, got myself around the golf course OK,” said McIlroy who won the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009 and 2015.

The World No 1 makes first appearance since the DP World Tour Championship in November but wasn’t satisfied with his performance on Saturday.

“Being able to post a couple of decent scores and at least have a chance going into the last two days. But definitely more negatives than positives and need to go and figure it out on the range.”

At 8 under, McIlroy shares seventh with Matt Wallace, Bernd Wiesberger and Patrick Reed.

They are two shots behind co-leaders Thomas Pieters, Richard Bland and Stanford junior Michael Thorbjornsen.

Following a lengthy weather delay play will push the final round to Monday.

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