Hero Dubai Desert Classic

The gap between DP World Tour seasons is a short as ever – when one year ends, the new schedule starts just a week later…

Rory McIlroy has set his sights on a third straight win and a historic fifth Dallah Trophy at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

There is no keeping McIlroy off the sports pages these days, whether it be for his golf or for something he’s said

The world number two carded a disappointing one-under-par 71.

Suppose his putt had stayed out and we were into a sudden-death playoff?

The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on…

McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.

England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.

The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.

McIlroy and Reed found themselves a shot behind world number one amateur Ludvig Aberg and Ian Poulter.

The pre-tournament build-up had been dominated by the war of words between Reed and McIlroy.

Reed was able to complete 16 holes on a truncated day at Emirates Golf Club.