Rory McIlroy Stunning Round Puts Pressure on Young in Dubai Golf Clash

Cataleya

January 21, 2024 · 1 min read

Rory McIlroy Stunning Round Puts Pressure on Young in Dubai Golf Clash
Other Sports | January 21, 2024
Rory McIlroy has claimed victory at the Dubai Desert Classic three times. (Image: Getty)

Rory McIlroy closed the gap on Cameron Young by shooting an impressive nine-under-par 63 in the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic, reducing Young’s lead to just two strokes heading into the final round. Initially trailing Young by 10 shots at the halfway stage, McIlroy’s stellar performance included seven birdies and a spectacular eagle on the eighteenth hole, bringing his overall score to 12 under par. The defending champion expressed his love for the tournament and the possibility of securing another victory.

After being tied for 24th following the second round, McIlroy’s consecutive birdies on the seventh, eighth, and ninth holes propelled him back into contention. Should McIlroy clinch the title on Sunday, he would make history as the first four-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic. Reflecting on the potential achievement, McIlroy emphasized the significance of Dubai in his successful golfing journey.

Cameron Young, who held a three-shot lead at the start of the third round, faced challenges with a double bogey on the seventh and another dropped shot on the eighth. Despite the setbacks, he managed to recover with birdies on the eleventh and thirteenth holes, finishing the round on par and maintaining a lead at 14 under par overall. Poland’s Adrian Meronk shares the second position with McIlroy after a two-under-par performance in the third round.