ROUND 4 | SUNDAY | JANUARY 25, 2026
REED RETAINS LEAD CAPTAIN AMERICA IS AIMING FOR HIS MAIDEN ROLEX SERIES TITLE ON THE DP WORLD TOUR.
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Closing Remarks Dr. Pawan Munjal summarises the week at the Majlis. PAGE 2
By Harry Grimshaw – Editor, Golf Digest Middle East
atrick Reed extended his lead at the top of the leaderboard in the third round of the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, firing a five-under-par 66 to take a four-shot lead heading into Sunday’s finale. The 2018 Masters Champion, currently 44th in the Official World Golf Ranking, sits at the forefront of the US$9 million Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour. Reed, who has three DP World Tour titles to his name, overcame a slow start to post a commanding round at the Majlis course. “Early in the round, I just didn’t really settle out,” Reed said. “Even after the birdies on 2 and 3, it was just one of those things where the swing didn’t feel a hundred percent, but I was missing it where I need to and just relying on my putter to work. “On 7, it clicked there when I hit a really good drive on 8. From that point on, I felt really solid and was able to take advantage of the par 5s.” “Early this week, just seeing a couple putts go in, after last year, I felt like it was one of those kind of half of the seasons where I felt like I was doing a lot HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
of things really well. I was hitting a lot of putts and the balls weren’t going in. Once I saw it go in this week, seems like the putter is back behaving doing what it’s supposed to, and allows me to free the rest up the rest of my golf game.” Trailing Reed by four shots is Spain’s David Puig, with 2022 champion, from Norway, Viktor Hovland and England’s Andy Sullivan a further shot back. Reed has a solid record at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, finishing in the top 10 last year and runnerup in 2021, as he looks to capture his maiden Rolex Series title on Golf’s Global Tour, “You’re always excited showing up on Sunday with a lead. That’s what we live for as players, to have a chance to win on Sundays and battle it out with the guys. “I know it’s not going to be easy, no matter how big the lead is. Looking forward to tomorrow, and hopefully just keep doing what I’m doing..” Notable names further down include Tyrrell Hatton, last year’s winner, who carded a four-over 76 to fall into a tie for 42nd alongside Shane Lowry. World Number Two Rory McIlroy, struggled on the greens and sits at three under par, 11 shots off the lead.
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Competition Time Win some Hero Dubai Desert Classic merchandise. PAGE 6
Get To Know Ganesh The Emirates GC employee is retiring after three decades. PAGE 16
Tournament Town All the activites going on away from the golf action on course. PAGE 19
DAILY DRAW SHEET & COURSE MAP
Navigate Emirates Golf Club with your guide to the third round pairings. PAGE 10-11 PATRON AND OFFICIAL PUBLISHER
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