Nicolai Hojgaard and Rory McIlroy both credited their patience for their impressive starts at the DP World Tour Championship. Hojgaard leads after two rounds with a score of 12-under, while McIlroy is
three shots behind, sharing his position with Daniel Hillier, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry. Hojgaard's second round included an eagle and five birdies, resulting in a bogey-free 65.
McIlroy faced challenges during his round at Jumeirah Golf Estates. He managed six birdies but also had three bogeys. Despite some frustration on the final hole due to difficulties in the rough, he maintained his composure. "I had to battle a little more today than I did yesterday," McIlroy stated. "If you looked at the scoring yesterday compared to today, it is a little bit tougher. "
McIlroy noted that missing fairways led to challenging lies, which tested his skills. "I missed a couple more fairways today," he explained. "And when I did miss the fairways, I got some really bad lies, like the worst lies I've seen this week. " Despite these setbacks, he felt he demonstrated strong scoring abilities by staying patient and making crucial saves.
Nicolai Hjgaard's only 36-hole lead on the DP World Tour came at the 2023 DP World Tour Championship, which he won. Two years on, he leads after 36 holes at the Earth Course. #DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/jJGWyhgWXC
- DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 14, 2025
Hojgaard expressed his fondness for the tournament and course where he previously triumphed in 2023. "It's one of my favourite tournaments and favourite courses to play," Hojgaard said. He acknowledged that being overly aggressive could lead to mistakes but emphasised that patience has been crucial so far.
The competition remains tight as players navigate the challenges of the course. With several contenders close behind Hojgaard, maintaining focus and composure will be essential in the coming rounds. The ability to adapt to changing conditions will likely determine who emerges victorious in this prestigious event.
As the tournament progresses, both seasoned players and newcomers are showcasing their talents on this demanding course. The mix of experience and fresh energy promises an exciting finish as they vie for top honours in this esteemed championship.
