Dubai Desert Classic: Patrick Reed Takes the Lead as Dustin Johnson Misses the Cut
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Dubai Desert Classic has seen its fair share of twists and turns, and the second round was no exception. Patrick Reed, the former Masters champion, has taken the lead with a stunning 6-under 66, while Dustin Johnson, the former No. 1, missed the cut after a disappointing performance.
Reed’s impressive round, which included four birdies and a 40-footer for eagle at the par-5 13th, has put him at 9-under 135 for the week. He is now in a strong position to claim the title, having finished second and 10th in his previous two appearances at the Emirates Golf Club. Andy Sullivan is close behind, finishing the day with a birdie-eagle to shoot 65, the lowest round of the day, and is alone in second place.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s struggles continue. The American, who moved to the breakaway LIV circuit in 2022, the same year as Reed, has slid to No. 639 in the world ranking. His second straight 74 meant he missed the cut, a significant blow to his already dwindling career. As ESPN reports, Johnson’s decision to join the LIV circuit has had a significant impact on his ranking and performance.
McIlroy and Fleetwood Struggle to Keep Up
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, the tournament’s headline players, are facing an uphill battle to challenge for the title. McIlroy, who is ranked second in the world, birdied the par-5 18th to shoot 69, but still has seven shots to make up on Reed. Fleetwood, ranked third, struggled to a 72 and only just made the cut, 10 shots off the lead. As Golf.com notes, both players will need a significant improvement in their performance over the weekend to have any chance of winning.
However, Tyrrell Hatton, the defending champion, is better placed, shooting 69 to be in sixth place, four strokes off the lead. Hatton, another LIV golfer, chipped in for eagle at the short par-4 No. 17, highlighting his potential to make a comeback. According to PGATour.com, Hatton’s experience and expertise on the course make him a strong contender for the title.
A Weekend of Opportunities
As the tournament heads into the weekend, there are plenty of opportunities for the players to make their move. Reed, with his impressive lead, is in a strong position, but McIlroy and Fleetwood will be looking to make a comeback. Hatton, meanwhile, will be aiming to defend his title. With the competition heating up, golf fans can expect an exciting weekend of golf at the Dubai Desert Classic.
