Hero Dubai Desert Classic: Tyrrell Hatton follows Daniel Hillier as Rory McIlroy makes up ground ahead of final round | Golf news
Tyrrell Hatton trails leader Daniel Hillier by one stroke after the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy has made up ground.
Hatton’s four-under 68 moves him to 12 under for the tournament and he is the favorite to win the fifth event of the Rolex Series, with Hillier on unfamiliar ground.
The Kiwi appeared to be feeling the pressure after a hat-trick of bogeys on the back nine but recovered with two birdies to take the lead over Hatton.
“It was tough out there. The wind was swirling, especially in the middle of the round, but I’m happy with the finish,” Hatton said.
“I don’t feel very comfortable with the ball, I don’t know why. I’ve been hitting some good shots for the most part. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been unlucky, but it was nice to see some putts go in. I need some putts for tomorrow.
“It would mean a lot [to win]. I remember as a kid waking up excited to watch the Dubai Desert Classic. It’s one that every player would love to have on their CV.”
Hillier is relishing the test of the last round
The world number 223 Hillier has a chance to win the biggest title of his career so far, with his only previous victory on the European Tour coming at the 2023 British Masters.
Hillier had a four-shot lead at one point and says a win on Sunday would “change his life”.
“It was tough, but I enjoyed it there,” Hillier said. “I don’t think I’ve played Tyrrell before so it will be fun and a good test. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to getting his hands on the trophy.”
Halfway leader Ewen Ferguson had a tough Saturday with just two birdies and four bogeys to leave him three shots off the pace, while New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and England’s Laurie Canter are four shots behind Hillier.
McIlroy is not giving up
McIlroy’s hopes of a fifth Dubai Desert Classic title hang by a thread, despite moving to 12th.
The 35-year-old, who is looking to end his long wait for a major in 2025, started the day nine shots off the lead and cut his deficit to seven with a round of 69.
He failed to birdie the front nine, bogeying the eighth, but came back strong with a three-under 69, leaving him six under for the event.
“Again, I started off a little slow. I played a lot better on the back nine,” McIlroy said.
“I was hitting the ball well. The conditions are tough. It’s windy and it’s hard to get the ball close to the flags. I wish I had shot a few shots better, but I’m happy with how I played.”
McIlroy is likely to need a special performance to get into contention for the title defense and for the main contenders to fall apart.
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“If the conditions are good, I could do it [63] before,” McIlroy said.
“If you can get a result on the front nine, that’s the key. If I can start faster tomorrow, I have a chance.”
Watch the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 7am Sunday or stream with NOW.
