Hero’s Dubai Desert Classic: Tyrrell Hutton takes on Daniel Hillier as Rory McIlroy rounds out the field ahead of the final round | Golf news
Tyrell Hutton is one shot behind leader Daniel Hillier after three rounds of the epic Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy made ground.
Hatton’s 68 moves him to 12 under and he will be chasing his fifth Rolex Series win.
The Kiwi looked to be feeling the pressure after a hat-trick of bogeys on the back nine, but recovered with two birdies to put Hutton ahead.
“It was tough out there. The wind was swirling around, especially in the middle of the round, but I’m happy to finish,” Hatton said.
“I don’t feel very comfortable with the ball, I don’t know why. For the most part, I was hitting some good shots, sometimes I feel unlucky but it was good to see. A few putts go in.
“It means a lot (to win). I remember waking up excited to watch the Dubai Desert Classic as a kid. It’s something any player would love to have on their CV.”
Tyrell Hutton is confident of his chance to play for Team Europe at last year’s Ryder Cup, live on Sky Sports
Hiller’s exciting final challenge
World No. 223 Hillier has the chance to claim the biggest title of his career so far, with his only previous European Tour victory coming at the 2023 British Masters.
Hillier had a four-shot lead at one point and said victory on Sunday would be “life-changing”.
“It was a grind but I loved it there,” Hillier said. “I don’t think I’ve played Tyrrell before, so that will be fun and a good test. I’m sure he’ll be in the running to get his hands on the trophy.”
Half-way leader Ewen Ferguson struggled to leave himself three shots off the pace with just two birdies and four bogeys, with New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and England’s Laurie Canter four shots behind Hillier.
McIlroy did not give up
McIlroy’s hopes of a fifth Dubai Desert Classic title hang by a thread despite entering 12th.
In the year The 35-year-old, who is looking to end his long wait for a major in 2025, started the day nine under and closed the deficit to seven in a round of 69.
He failed to make a birdie on the front nine, bogeying the eighth, but came back strong to card a three-under 69, leaving him six-under in the event.
Rory McIlroy sits seven shots off third-round victory at the Dubai Desert Classic
“I started a little slow again. I played a lot better on the back nine,” McIlroy said.
“I hit the ball well. The conditions are tough. It’s windy and tough to get the ball close to the flags. I wish I could have hit a few shots better, but I’m happy with how I played.”
McIlroy will need a special performance to maintain his prestige and drag himself into contention so that his main rivals fall apart.
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“If the conditions are right, I’ve been able to do that (63) before,” McIlroy said.
“If you can get the front nine points, that’s the key. If I can start fast tomorrow, I’ve got a chance.”
Watch the final round of the epic Dubai Desert Classic on Sky Sports Golf from 7am, Sunday or live Release with NOW.
