Hillier Holds Narrow Lead Over Hatton at Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy remains optimistic about his chances at the Dubai Desert Classic despite trailing leader Daniel Hillier by seven shots, while Tyrrell Hatton is just one stroke behind Hillier in second place.

New Zealand's Daniel Hillier holds a narrow lead heading into the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, thanks to a strong finish that saw him birdie his last two holes. Hillier's impressive performance has given him a one-shot advantage, while Rory McIlroy has moved to within seven strokes of the lead. The action unfolded at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club, where Hillier had enjoyed a three-shot lead midway through the back nine.

However, Hillier's momentum was halted by three successive bogeys from the 13th to 15th holes, which opened the door for his rivals. Despite this setback, Hillier regained his composure and finished strongly to take a 13-under par 203 aggregate into the final round. Reflecting on his challenging round, Hillier said, “It was a grind. I figured it was going to be that at the start of the day with all that wind.” He acknowledged the tough scoring conditions but expressed his enthusiasm for the final round. “It was tough but I enjoyed it out there and looking forward to having a crack at it tomorrow... A win would be life-changing.”

Hillier's rise to prominence has been marked by notable victories, including two wins on the Challenge Tour and a triumph at the 2023 British Masters. However, 2024 proved to be a difficult year for the 26-year-old, as he failed to secure a single top-10 finish in 27 starts. Despite this setback, Hillier appears to be back on track, and a win in Dubai would undoubtedly be a life-changing moment for the young golfer.

Four-time champion Rory McIlroy is aiming to make history by becoming the first player to win the same tournament three years in a row on the DP World Tour since Ernie Els at the Heineken Classic (2002-2004). McIlroy's chances seemed slim after he made the turn at one-over par, but he battled the elements and made four birdies on the back nine to finish tied for 12th at six-under total, seven behind the leader.

Birdie-birdie finish 💪

Daniel Hillier will take a one shot lead into the final round.#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/F71vbx9ME4

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 18, 2025

Despite the deficit, McIlroy remains upbeat about his chances. However, he acknowledged that he needs some help from the weather. “I would say the winning score will go much past 15, depending on the conditions, obviously,” said McIlroy. He recalled his impressive comeback last year, when he charged from being 10 shots behind at the halfway stage. “So, I'd need to go out and shoot 63 tomorrow. If the conditions are right, I've been able to do that before, especially if you can make a score on the front nine before that scorable back nine.”

Daniel Hillier (70) maintained his lead, finishing one stroke ahead of in-form LIV Golf star Tyrrell Hatton, who is seeking his record fifth Rolex Series win. Hatton, the world No. 17, has consistently performed well in his last three DP World Tour starts, finishing no worse than sixth. He shot a 68 to reach 12-under par total.

Tyrrell Hatton reflected on his challenging round, saying, “It was pretty tough out there, to be honest. The wind was swirling around... But I'm happy with the finish. Good position going into tomorrow.” Hatton's round was highlighted by an eagle two on the 356-yard par-4 second hole, where he drove the green and made an eight-foot eagle putt. Despite three bogeys on the tough front nine, Hatton made up for it with four birdies on the back nine.