Rory McIlroy Eyes Dubai Desert Classic Victory As Leaderboard Tightens

Rory McIlroy stays confident about a third Dubai Desert Classic title in four years, even though the four-time winner sits seven strokes behind leader Patrick Reed at Emirates Golf Club. McIlroy moved to two under par after a second-round 69, following a rare over-par score at this tournament during the opening round.

Reed heads the field at nine under after a second straight strong showing, holding a one-shot advantage over Andy Sullivan. Overnight pacesetter Francesco Molinari and fellow Italian Andrea Pavan are two behind the American. Nicolai Hojgaard produced five birdies on the back nine to climb into sixth place at the halfway stage.

McIlroy’s history in Dubai offers clear encouragement. The Northern Irishman owns four wins at Emirates

Golf Club and has not finished lower than tenth since missing the cut in 2008. Even large deficits have not stopped McIlroy here, as recent editions proved across challenging weekend conditions.

A notable example came in 2024, when Cameron Young held a ten-shot cushion over McIlroy after two rounds. McIlroy fired a 63 on Moving Day to shrink that gap, then closed out a one-stroke victory over Adrian Meronk. Those memories shape McIlroy’s belief that another surge remains possible if scoring chances drop.

During the second round, McIlroy responded well after that opening setback. The 69 contained steady play rather than fireworks, yet it lifted McIlroy into a position where a low third-round score could matter. McIlroy explained how the changing breeze and firmer surfaces forced extra care with approach shots and club selection.

"I felt I did pretty well, McIlroy reflected. Conditions got trickier as the day went on. As we got to the back nine, the wind picked up and greens are getting firm, so you have to pick-and-choose your spots when to be aggressive, when to attack the par-fives. I gave myself plenty of opportunities. I didn't take maybe as many as I wanted to but I'm sure everyone in the field feels that way. I think I came from 10 behind a couple years ago to win, so of I go out on Saturday in slightly better conditions and post a low one, then I'll be right in the mix come Sunday. "

Player	Score	Position
Patrick Reed	9 under	1st
Andy Sullivan	8 under	2nd
Francesco Molinari	7 under	Tied 3rd
Andrea Pavan	7 under	Tied 3rd
Tyrrell Hatton	5 under	Within four of lead
Rory McIlroy	2 under	Seven behind lead

How it stands at the halfway stage in Dubai#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/WEJhkv50wDDP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 23, 2026

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton also retains a chance to challenge Reed over the weekend. Hatton completed a volatile second round that included four birdies and four bogeys across the opening 12 holes. A chip-in at the 15th then sparked a strong closing stretch, capped by an eagle on 17 and a birdie at the last.

That finish lifted Hatton to five under par, four shots short of Reed and ahead of McIlroy on the board. Hatton felt the score slightly exceeded how the game had felt over the first two rounds, pointing to short-game work as vital. Hatton now hopes a better swing and clearer mindset arrive before the third round.

"I feel like I did well in my scrambling, and yeah, obviously the finish helps a lot. I'm, what, four back going into the weekend? It's in a decent position, considering I don't feel like I've played anywhere near what I'm capable of. So hopefully I wake up tomorrow with a decent golf swing and a clearer head, and we'll go out there and try our best. "

With Reed narrowly ahead, McIlroy plotting another charge, and Hatton rallying late, the Dubai Desert Classic heads into the weekend with several proven winners within range. Past comebacks at Emirates Golf Club show that gaps can close quickly, so scoring swings over the next two rounds are likely to decide whose record here strengthens further.