ROUND 2 | FRIDAY | JANUARY 23, 2026
FRANKIE FINDS FORM
THE 2018 OPEN CHAMPION OPENS WITH SEVEN-UNDER 65 TO LEAD HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
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Luke Donald Injury Scare Find out why the European Ryder Cup captain withdrew. PAGE 3
By Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
rancesco Molinari, the 2018 Open Champion, fired a seven-under-par 65 to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a US$9 million Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour. The Italian produced a composed and confident round on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, marking his lowest round on the DP World Tour since January 2024. “Yeah, I mean, obviously good comes to mind,” Molinari said. “Not super unexpected, but I wasn’t expecting a score like that. Last week I felt very rusty, so I was hoping it would be very good prep for this week. The putter was the biggest difference. Made some nice putts and kept the round going in the middle, played a couple of iffy holes and made some good pars. Very, very pleased with the start.” With challenging windy conditions yesterday, Francesco’s focus and mental discipline were key to navigating the tricky Karl Litten-designed layout. “Yeah, it’s not easy. It’s very tricky. The wind obviously is up, switching between northwest and HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
north, and the greens are the biggest difficulty. They are getting to the point where your putter has leaves on it, always a sign of firm greens. It’s tricky, but I did a good job of staying in the moment and not getting too flustered. At the end of the day, you add them up and it’s pretty good.” Molinari has also made changes off the course, returning to work with long-time coach Denis Pugh to simplify his game and focus on what matters. “I’ve changed everything and then changed back,” he said. “I’m back working with Denis. He doesn’t travel to tournaments anymore, but I see him a day a month at home. He’s always been great, helping simplify stuff and clear things out of my mind that don’t need to be there. That’s been the biggest help.” In second place is Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg on five under par, with Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach and South Africa’s JC Ritchie a further shot back in third on four under par. Last year’s winner, Tyrrell Hatton, signed for a two under par 70, while World Number Two Rory McIlroy, aiming for his fifth Dallah Trophy, opened his campaign with a one over par 73.
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Competition Time Win some Hero Dubai Desert Classic merchandise. PAGE 10
Ahmad Skaik The UAE National is making his pro debut in the event. PAGE 12
Tournament Town All the activites going on away from the golf action on course. PAGE 15
DAILY DRAW SHEET & COURSE MAP
Navigate Emirates Golf Club with your guide to the second round groups. PAGE 8-9 PATRON AND OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
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