Rory McIlroy headed out to the final round of the 25th Dubai Desert Classic with the assurance of ‘Dubai-based coach’ Justin Parsons.
In the short time McIlroy practiced on his putting before teeing off he was under the watchful eye of Parsons, who is attached to the Butch Harmon Golf Academy at the nearby Els Club here in Dubai.
Rory McIlroy works on his putting ahead of the final round and under the watchful eye of caddy J P Fitzgerald. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
McIlroy had spent some time at the Els Club before commencing his New Year last fortnight in Abu Dhabi where he eventually finished joint runner-up.
He was then back to the Els Club for more practice last week that also included a social round of a 10-under par 62 and what would have been a new course record had McIlroy been in competition.
McIlroy was interview by SKY Sports Tim Barter before his 12.45pm local tee time and remarking: “I spent some time on the range last night working on my driving and probably thinking I was making too much of a shoulder turn that was getting me a bit out of sync.
“I was working also on my alignment and it felt good on the range last night and hopefully it will work out today.
Barter rightfully point out McIlroy has enjoyed three top-10s in his last four Dubai Desert Classic’s and asked how that will help him as he seeks to win the event for a second time.
“Obviously, I am comfortable around here and I’ve played some good golf around here but so has Stephen (Gallacher).
“He has played very well yesterday but it does give me confidence knowing I have won around here before, and I have played good golf here before.
“So I am not in a bad position being two behind going into the final day, and it’s a nice position to be in going out in the final group even though I am chasing as I can see what is is going on, and you can maybe exert a bit of pressure on the guy in front.
“And having won a few events now the key for me will be not to focus so much on what everyone else is doing and instead focus on what I have to do. Maybe set myself some sort of target to get to.
“But really just focus on what I need to do as you can’t what other guys are doing, and you if you play good golf and for me that’s good enough.”
And McIlroy’s last round target?
“Something in the mid 60s at least and something around 20-under par or 21, 22 under par should win,” he said.
