Rory McIlroy closes in on Dubai double; 'Lil' Rory' in position for PGA Tour card
Rory McIlroy on verge of completing Dubai Desert Classic hat-trick after impressive display
Rory McIlroy is closing in on a unique piece of golfing history, moving within touching distance of a hat-trick of victories at the Dubai Desert Classic after carding a seven-under-par 65 on Friday, leaving him on top of the leaderboard heading into the final round.
The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather, but that has not stopped the Northern Irishman from putting himself in a commanding position.
McIlroy, who claimed victories in Dubai in 2009 and 2015, began his second round from one shot off the lead after an opening-day 68 and picked up where he left off with birdies at the first three holes.
McIlroy chasing history on the DP World Tour
Victory at the Emirates Golf Club on Saturday would not only be a third Dubai title for McIlroy but also his third on the DP World Tour this season, to add to wins in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy is looking to be the first player to win three DP World Tour events in the same season since Martin Kaymer in 2011.
As well as targeting a third Dubai triumph, this is also McIlroy's first tournament since signing a new equipment deal with TaylorMade, and the former world number one is delighted with how the partnership is progressing.
"I'm really excited about this partnership with TaylorMade and I'm really enjoying playing with the new equipment," McIlroy said.
"It gives me a lot of confidence and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."
'Lil' Rory McIlroy on verge of PGA Tour card
Meanwhile, Michael Thorbjornsen, who has been dubbed "Lil' Rory" because of his resemblance to McIlroy, is closing in on a PGA Tour card after a superb performance at the Honda Classic.
The 20-year-old American fired a six-under 64 on Friday to move within four shots of the lead on nine under, and he now needs a strong final round to secure a spot in the top 10, which would be enough to earn him full playing rights on the PGA Tour for next season.
Thorbjornsen, who was ranked 1,293rd in the world at the start of last year, has already had success on the DP World Tour, winning the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in February 2022.
If he can continue his fine form and finish in the top 10 this weekend, it would be a major breakthrough for the young American.
