DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Dubai Desert Classic saw some surprising developments as Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland both failed to make the cut, while Rory McIlroy fought to qualify for the weekend. Ewen Ferguson emerged as a standout player, taking advantage of the situation.
The Scottish golfer, ranked No. 141, achieved an impressive score of 7-under 65, securing his place as the unexpected leader at the end of the second round on Friday. Ferguson’s ascent to the top came after a stroke of luck at the par-5 18th hole, where he over-hit his second shot. Thankfully, the ball rebounded off an advertisement board and landed just 5 feet from the hole. He made the eagle putt, boasting a total of 12 under for the tournament.
In the second position was New Zealand’s David Hillier, currently ranked No. 223, who also shot a 65, placing him as the only golfer within three strokes of Ferguson. A trio including Tyrrell Hatton, ranked No. 17, also shot 65, landing them in a tie for third at 8 under.
Two-time major champion Rahm, who now competes in the LIV Golf series, had a challenging outing with a score of 77, while No. 8-ranked Hovland recorded a 73. Both faced tough conditions at Emirates Golf Club, marked by variable winds, thick rough, and difficult pin placements.
“I wouldn’t say that there was anything that went well,” Rahm remarked, noting his drop to No. 31 in the rankings. “No part of the game today was even average to what I would like to feel.”
Meanwhile, McIlroy, ranked third worldwide, managed to stay in contention but showed signs of struggle, particularly on the putting green. He ended his round with a 71, bringing his total to 3-under par, but found himself nine strokes behind the leader. Despite a birdie on the 18th hole, McIlroy’s putting performance did not inspire confidence, as he managed only 39 feet of putts throughout his second round.
“A little frustrated,” he admitted. “But I thought the conditions were a little tricky.”
Encouraged by a reminder that he had once been ten strokes behind after 36 holes the previous year before clinching victory, McIlroy remains optimistic. “I’d say the winning score isn’t going to be much above what the leader is right now,” he noted, anticipating how the course would play over the weekend. “If I can focus on that over the weekend, get a couple of putts to drop, I think I’ve still got a decent chance.”
Ewen Ferguson has emerged as a seasoned competitor with three titles on the European Tour, the latest being the BMW International Open in July, positioning him well as he heads into the final rounds of this classic event.
