Dubai: World No. 1 Rory McIlroy leads by a stroke at 14 under par midway through the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after birdying the last three holes to card a 64 at Emirates Golf Club on Friday.
The Northern Irishman made three birdies on his front nine and five on his return to follow on from a first round score of 66, edging past Marc Warren of Scotland, who had earlier shot a 65 to go 13 under par for the tournament.
“I couldn’t ask for much more,” said McIlroy, who has finished second in his last three events and aims to break the deadlock with victory in Dubai, where he won his first professional tournament in 2009 and made his first cut in 2007.
“It was bogey-free, I made birdies and set myself up for a good run over the next couple of days,” added the four-time Major winner.
Beyond second-placed Warren, Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and England’s Seve Benson are tied for third at 12 under par.
A further five, including round one leader Bernd Wiesberger, treble-chasing defending champion Stephen Gallacher of Scotland and the English trio of Lee Westwood, Andy Sullivan and Danny Willett are tied for fifth at 11 under par.
“I’m in a great position, but there’s so many people that are close to the lead and it’s so bunched up there,” said McIlroy. “Even though I’m in the lead, there’s so many people still in with a chance if they shoot a good round tomorrow [Saturday].
“I’ve just got to go out there, stay aggressive, stick to the gameplan and try to make as many birdies as I can. You can’t play defensively on this golf course, especially with the conditions. The conditions are absolutely perfect. Guys are going to make birdies and are going to hole putts and I’m going to have to do the same.”
Warren, who finished second in Qatar last week, carded six birdies and a bogey on his front nine and three birdies and a bogey on his return, to add a 65 to his opening round 66.
The Scot appeared to have the lead stitched up at 13 under par until McIlroy’s late flourish, but he still seemed confident for the weekend on account of his form.
“In Abu Dhabi [two weeks ago] I drove the ball really well, but the iron play wasn’t so good. Obviously I kind of improved that [in Qatar] last week and have carried that into this week as well.
“I gave myself lots of chances, which, when the scoring is as low as this, is most important.
“I’m comfortable in my swing, and mentally I am pretty free. I’m just hitting the shots that I see. It’s a nice place to be.”
