Patrick Reed heads into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic with a clear advantage after a five-under-par 67 moved Patrick Reed to 14 under. The score gave Patrick Reed a four-shot cushion over
David Puig, with Viktor Hovland one stroke further back.
Patrick Reed’s round featured seven birdies and two bogeys, placing Patrick Reed in control of the Rolex Series event ahead of Sunday’s finish. Hovland surged into third with a bogey-free seven-under 65 on Saturday, while Puig stayed closest despite pressure from the chasing pack.
Big names further down the Dubai Desert Classic field face a difficult task catching Patrick Reed. Rory McIlroy slipped from contention after a third-round 71 left Rory McIlroy tied for 27th on three under. Defending champion Tyrell Hatton is two shots worse, while Tommy Fleetwood dropped to two over after a 73.
| Player | Score | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Reed | -14 | 1st |
| David Puig | -10 | 2nd |
| Viktor Hovland | -9 | 3rd |
| Rory McIlroy | -3 | T27 |
| Tyrell Hatton | -1 | Below McIlroy |
| Tommy Fleetwood | +2 | Outside top 60 |
Patrick Reed admitted nerves as Patrick Reed began the third round, dropping a shot on the opening hole. Patrick Reed quickly recovered, though, producing a run of birdies and even chipping in from the green on the ninth, which underlined Patrick Reed’s control of both swing and scoring.
Reflecting on the momentum shift, Patrick Reed said: "I felt a little nervous on that first tee and messed up at that hole but after that got into the mode of trying to hit quality golf shots and take every shot on, Reed told Sky Sports. The swing felt really good once I got midway through the front nine and that gave me all the confidence in the world to go out and attack this place and get the momentum going in the back nine. "
Patrick Reed has come close at the Dubai Desert Classic before, finishing runner-up three years ago and inside the top 10 last year. Looking ahead, Patrick Reed added: "The biggest thing for me now is to get a win at a place I absolutely love coming to. Hopefully I can play some solid golf and close it out. "
A runner-up three years ago and a top 10 last year. What will it be tomorrow for Patrick Reed?#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/tSWFVCjw7QDP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 24, 2026
With a proven record at Emirates Golf Club and a four-shot buffer, Patrick Reed holds a strong platform entering the final day of the Dubai Desert Classic. The chasing group, including David Puig and Viktor Hovland, must produce low scores to apply real pressure.
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