McIlroy Keeps Dubai Invitational Title Bid Alive Despite Steady Round Three

Rory McIlroy stayed firmly in the hunt at the Dubai Invitational, carding a three-under-par 68 that leaves McIlroy three shots behind leader Nacho Elvira going into the final round at Dubai Creek Resort.

Elvira sits at eight under, two clear of Dylan Frittelli, Shane Lowry and Marcus Armitage.

The Northern Irishman briefly led after the opening 18 holes, but a second-round 74 dropped McIlroy three strokes behind overnight pacesetters Lowry and Elvira. McIlroy began round three with a birdie, then bogeyed the fourth, before three birdies on the back nine lifted McIlroy back into realistic title contention.

The improvement from round two pleased McIlroy after water hazards disrupted the previous card. "A little bit better than yesterday, kept the ball dry instead of the four water balls I had [in the second round], McIlroy said of his chances of challenging for the title. " That second-round struggle had stalled momentum after McIlroy’s fast start.

McIlroy described testing conditions again at Dubai Creek Resort, with the breeze still influencing club selection and ball flight. "It was a tricky enough day, the wind was up again, maybe not as much as Friday. I got off to a slow start but stayed patient and hung in there and was rewarded with three birdies on the back nine. "

McIlroy’s position near the top of the Dubai Invitational leaderboard continues a familiar pattern in season openers on the DP World Tour. Since turning professional 20 years ago, McIlroy has posted one win, six runner-up finishes and 15 top-five results in first starts to a campaign.

Asked why early-season events often bring success, McIlroy pointed to renewed energy and a long connection with the region. "I think the enthusiasm to start a new year and start fresh [is the reason behind those early results], McIlroy replied when told about the statistic. I've always loved coming out here to the Middle East and Dubai, and playing in these tournaments.

"Even as an amateur, I played a couple of Dubai Desert Classics as well, so I've been coming out here for over 20 years. It's a place where I'm comfortable, made a lot of friends here along the way, and I'm always excited to start my year in Dubai. It's great to go into the final round in contention, with a chance to win a tournament. "

Rory McIlroy Dubai Invitational standings and DP World Tour leaderboard

The third-round leaderboard at Dubai Creek Resort sets up a tight finish, with five players separated by three strokes. Elvira leads on eight under, followed by Frittelli, Lowry and Armitage two shots back, while McIlroy is one further behind after moving to five under for the week.

Player	Score	Position
Nacho Elvira	-8	1st
Dylan Frittelli	-6	T2
Shane Lowry	-6	T2
Marcus Armitage	-6	T2
Rory McIlroy	-5	5th

How it stands with 18 holes to play at Dubai Creek #DubaiInvitiational pic.twitter.com/AvJ6JLQxhbDP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 17, 2026

Rory McIlroy Dubai Invitational battle with Nacho Elvira on DP World Tour

Elvira heads into the closing round aiming for a third DP World Tour title, having already won the 2021 Cazoo Open and 2024 Soudal Open. "I'm very pleased. It's been a tricky couple of days with the wind. I'm pretty happy with it, Elvira said. "

Elvira suggested experience in similar situations at Dubai Creek Resort should help handle the pressure of leading the Dubai Invitational. "I've been here long enough to not be too nervous tomorrow in a way. I'm going to try and enjoy, and learn from the experiences in the past and see what happens. I'm extremely happy. "

With McIlroy close behind Elvira and a strong chasing group including Lowry, Frittelli and Armitage, the Dubai Invitational final round on the DP World Tour promises a tight finish at Dubai Creek Resort, with narrow margins likely to decide whether McIlroy’s patience or Elvira’s lead proves decisive.