Emerging strong down the final straight is defending Dubai and European No. 1 champion, Rory McIlroy whose footballing friends seems to be finally bringing out the best in his golf.
Despite his leg bound in a protective case, injured England and Manchester United mid-fielder Michael Carrick walked all 18 holes to witness McIlroy eagle the 14th on route to a 68 and a share of ninth place on six under par.
Rory McIlroy emerges down the final straight in the Race to Dubai decider. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
Carrick’s Manchester United team-mate, Ryan Giggs is due to be out on the Earth Course today (Sat) and McIlroy hinted Queens Park Ranger’s star, Joey Barton has promised to follow him around on the final day.
“It was great to see Michael out there today as I met him a few weeks ago when I was in Manchester and while he’s out for a few weeks, he said to me that he and his wife, Lisa were considering coming out to Dubai,” he said.
“I saw him this morning before I went out and I said to him: ‘You sure, you’re good for 18 holes?’ and he said that the doctors indicated it was good for him to be out walking.
“Hopefully, Michael can follow me around for the next few days as maybe I can shoot a couple of low ones.”
McIlroy continues to insist his ball-striking gets better with each round but then it led to him being asked to mark this aspect of his game out of 10 commencing with the start of the year when he switched to Nike and then mid-year and up to the present.
“I’d say 2, 5 and 8 so it’s getting there,” he said.
McDowell confessed he is ‘starting to better see his way around’ the golf course but it is looking more than likely it will be a tournament too far for the current World No. 11.
“I sort of got one foot back in the building if you like and I’m back in there for the weekend, but I am going to have to play two great rounds to have any chance,” said McDowell.
And Shane Lowry heads into the weekend with a pair of 71s to be sharing 29th place on two under par.
“It was like the first round today as I just feel I didn’t get what I deserved out of my round,” said Lowry.
“I am still doing okay in the tournament and I am just one round away I feel from a really low round.”
