Patrick Reed seized commanding control of the Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday, firing a five-under-par 67 to establish a formidable four-shot advantage heading into the tournament’s final round. The American veteran’s stellar performance at the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course propelled him to a 14-under total, distancing himself from the chasing pack.
Spanish rising star David Puig emerged as Reed’s closest challenger, carding an impressive 66 to reach 10-under par. The 24-year-old sensation, who claimed victory at last December’s Australian PGA Championship, demonstrated his growing prowess with seven birdies against a single bogey.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland, the 2022 tournament champion, ignited his title hopes with the day’s lowest round—a spectacular 65 that featured seven birdies without dropping a shot. His remarkable surge positioned him just five strokes behind the leader, setting the stage for a compelling final-round showdown.
Meanwhile, world number two Rory McIlroy’s title defense effectively ended with a disappointing 71 that left him languishing at three-under overall. The four-time Dubai champion managed only two birdies against one bogey, finding himself tied for 27th position and facing an insurmountable 11-shot deficit.
Reed’s round showcased both resilience and technical mastery. After an uncharacteristic bogey on the opening hole, the 35-year-old found his rhythm with a crucial drive on the eighth hole that sparked his charge. Though he narrowly missed birdie opportunities on the 15th through 17th holes, his overall performance demonstrated the composure of a seasoned champion.
Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton’s hopes evaporated with a disappointing 76 that dropped him into a tie for 42nd place, while Reed positioned himself to claim his first full-field title in the $9 million event—adding another chapter to his three-win DP World Tour legacy.