Rory Mcilroy shoots 65, has 3-shot lead after three rounds in Dubai

Rory Mcilroy delivered an exhibition of short iron play to shoot 7-under 65 in his third round and build a threestroke lead at the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday. The top-ranked Mcilroy made eight birdies at Emirates Golf Club — four in a row from No. 1, three straight from No. 13, and another at No. 17 — and none of the birdie putts were from more than 7 feet. “I drove the ball better today, which put me in better positions to attack and make birdies,” said the Northern Irishman, making his first start of 2023. “It’s nearly there, not quite there, but I’m making the most of the good shots that I’m hitting and putting well. I’m just playing really efficient golf right now.”

Mcilroy did, though, give the chasers some hope by making bogey at the par-5 No. 18, for his only dropped shot of the round, after hitting a fairway wood from around 250 yards into the water in front of the green. After missing a par putt from 8 feet, Mcilroy had a look of disappointment across his face as he walked off the green, despite holding a commanding lead.

The four-time major champion made the same mistake on the 18th hole in his final round in last year’s tournament to finish a shot behind the leaders, when a birdie would have won him the title.

Mcilroy was on 15 under overall, with English players Callum Shinkwin (67) and No. 484-ranked Dan Bradbury (68) tied for second place. As the players on the leaderboard went down the stretch, there looked to be a strong chance of Mcilroy and Patrick Reed being together in the last group in today’s final round. That would have been must-watch viewing after they made headlines with a pre-tournament spat. Reed, however, made bogey at the drivable par-4 17th. The American shot 69 and was in a seven-man group tied for fourth place on 11 under, four shots back.

The tournament is finishing today after bad weather cut short play on the opening two days.