Tiger Woods is striving to continue a remarkable record of having won a first tournament of a new season for the eighth time in his 16 years a professional.
Woods recorded a bogey-free 66 before being joined by England’s mop-haired Robert Rock who birdied his closing two holes also in a 66 to join the 14-time Major winner on 11-under par.
Tiger Woods one round away from winning a first tournament of a New Year for the eighth time in 16 years. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
The visiting American heads into the last day of his first event of a new season having won the opening tournament of a new season in seven of 15 years he’s been a pro.
And in all but one of those seven seasons, namely 2003, Woods has gone on to win a Major.
“That’s a great stat but it would be better if I won tomorrow,” he said smiling.
“When I’ve had a good break, as I have, I’ve always done well after the breaks. I am able to work at peace and work on my game and get everything situated.”
Also, Woods is seeking capture a 129th pro career success and a second straight win after winning last month’s Chevron Challenge.
Rock, who spoke briefly to Woods on the practice range before tee-off, will be seeking to win for only a second time after capturing last May’s BMW Italian Open.
“It won’t much bigger for me than to be playing alongside Tiger, and while it’s nice he’s here, I am happy to be in the position I am,” said Rock.
“I will just take it as it comes and I will look forward to it.”
Four players, World No. 3 Rory McIlroy (68), Sweden’s Peter Hanson (64), Italy’s Francesco Molinari (66) and Lawrie, who posted a 68, share third place on nine under par.
Lawrie arrived in the UAE capital having finished 10th last week in South Africa but also ending runner-up a month earlier in neighbouring Dubai.
The 1999 Open Champion is also just one place outside the top five on the Ryder Cup European Points table.
“I’m excited about the last day and looking forward to it,” said the Scot.
“I’ve had a couple of weeks off and it would have been easy to get lazy over the winter period but I have been busy over the break and I’ve worked hard and played golf every day with the boys.
“I knew I had to come out playing well if was to give myself any chance to make the Ryder Cup team so the first 10 to 12 tournaments this year are important.”
And Lawrie’s two sons are sure to be in the front seats at Teeside Golf Club cheering on their father.
