England’s Danny Willett has soared to the top of the Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard four days after a 13,000 feet sky dive over Dubai.
Willett, 26 birdied five of his closing six holes including the last three to shoot a seven under par 65 and take the clubhouse lead in the $US 2.5m European Tour event on eight under par.
The Sheffield-born golfer was joined moments later by Ireland’s Damien McGrane who shot a two under par 70 as both players chase a second Tour victory.
Willett, along with his wife and caddy, undertook the assisted sky dive on Monday free-falling for the first 1,000 feet and in add of two UK charities.
Danny Willett, his wife Nicole and caddy Jonathon Smart safely back on ground. (Photo – Danny Willett)
“The skydive on Monday was obviously a different way to start the week,” he said.
“But in all fairness, if you stand on the first tee, trying to hit a drive into the fairway, seemed a little bit less nerve‑wracking than jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet, you never know, might have prepared us quite well.
“As soon as you jump out, you kind of go ‑‑ you’re looking down, all you can see is obviously the sea and surrounding area and you’re thinking, what are we doing. Then after the initial jump, you start to kind of level out and feels like you’re floating down, it’s unbelievable.
“We did it for charity, British Heart Foundation as Jonathon’s (caddy) dad had a heart scare a while ago and the British Heart Foundation were marvellous, and we also were supporting the breast cancer charity Darren Clarke works with.”
Reigning European No. 1 and FedEx Cup champion Henrik Stenson also moved into contention for a second Dubai Desert Classic success with a five under par 67 for a seven under par total.
Rory McIlroy, who led the first day by two shots, soon found himself back in a tie atop of the board after a bogey at his opening hole on day two.
World No. 1 Tiger Woods, and competing alongside McIlroy, commenced his round at four under par as he strives to become only the second three-time Dubai winner behind Ernie Els.
However it was an early exit for the four-time Major winning Els who shot a 70 for a level par tally and the assurance of missing the eventual halfway cut.
Els will next compete in February 13th starting Northern Trust Open in L.A. and an event the South African captured in 1999.
