McIlroy Survives Dubai Desert Classic as Rahm and Hovland Bow Out
What a rollercoaster at the Dubai Desert Classic! Friday brought drama that no one could have predicted. For a moment, it seemed like the tournament might lose some of its brightest stars early on. Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion, had a surprisingly tough time, and Viktor Hovland also struggled to keep up. Rory McIlroy, a crowd favorite and two-time defending champion, found himself dangerously close to the cut line. But, as he has done so often, McIlroy rose to the occasion, securing his spot for the weekend with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole.
Rahm’s exit after a second-round 77, which included two double bogeys, shocked fans and critics alike. His 69 on Thursday had set expectations high, but his performance on Friday fell short of his usual standard. Reflecting on his game, Rahm admitted it was a rough start to 2025. “It’s not how you want to begin the year,” he said candidly. “But the good news is, there’s a lot of golf ahead.” Despite his struggles, Rahm showed class, praising the course and its challenging setup. He even hinted at a return next year, saying he’s determined to seek redemption.
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McIlroy, on the other hand, kept his cool despite an "ice-cold" putter. A bogey on the 15th hole had fans holding their breath, but his focus never wavered. Speaking about the tricky greens, he said, “There’s a lot of grain and double breakers. I was burning the edges all day. It’s frustrating, but I’ll keep making committed strokes, and the putts will drop eventually.” Now nine shots behind leader Ewen Ferguson, McIlroy still has the weekend to make his move.
Meanwhile, Ferguson’s eagle on the 18th was a standout moment. The Dubai-based Scot finished the day at 12 under, ahead of Daniel Hillier. Tyrrell Hatton is also in the mix, sitting at eight under and ready to pounce.
As the weekend unfolds, the Dubai Desert Classic promises more excitement. Can McIlroy stage another iconic comeback? Only time will tell.
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