Patrick Reed put himself in place for a maiden Hero Dubai Desert Classic success but with Rory McIlroy delivering the LIV Golf star a very subtle reminder of the Dubai events two years ago.
Reed was out early taking full advantage of the bright and still conditions in holing a 42-foot, eagle ‘3’ putt on route to round of 66 for a nine-under tally and lead the $US 9m Rolex Series event by a shot on the host Majlis course at the Emirates club.
England’s Andy Sullivan signed for a 65 to be lying second on eight-under while first round leader, Francesco Molinari struggled in the tougher afternoon windier weather in signing for a 72 to be tied third with fellow Italian Andrea Pavan.
Four-time Hero Dubai Desert Classic winner McIlroy birdied the last in a score of 69 to be seven shots back, sharing 20th place at two-under.
SUBTLE REMINDER ..
Grand Slam champ @McIlroyRory delivered a subtle reminder to @DubaiDCGolf leader @PReedGolf @livgolf_league of the events two-years ago
“I came from 10 behind a couple years ago to win. I’m seven back at the minute”.
Getty
✅ @TOURMISS @Record_Sport… pic.twitter.com/NJ4QFD6wgO
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) January 23, 2026
Reed is very much determined to go one place better in the event than finishing runner-up two years ago to McIlroy and the year the duo featured in the ‘Flicking a Tee at Rory’ affair.
And the opportunity was not passed to quiz McIlroy post his round his thoughts seeing Reed’s name atop of the board.
McIlroy said: “I think I came from ten behind a couple years ago to win. I think I’m seven back at the minute.
“Yeah, if I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I’ll be right in the mix come Sunday”.
Friendly rivalry? Ah, it’s why we love the game so much.
