Patrick Reed shot a 67 on Saturday to hold a four-stroke lead heading into the final round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates.
The American is the only player in the field at Emirates Golf Club to finish all three rounds in the 60s and stands at 14-under for the tournament.
David Puig of Spain shot a 66 to climb nine spots up the leaderboard and into sole possession of second place at 10-under. Viktor Hovland of Norway surged from 20th place to a tie for third after his Saturday-best round of 65. He and England’s Andy Sullivan (71) are knotted at 9-under.
Reed, a member of the LIV Golf League and a former Masters champion, had a pair of bogeys on the front nine that were outweighed by seven birdies, including one on No. 18 that gave him momentum heading into the final round on Sunday.
He is seeking his first win in the event after two top-10 finishes, including runner-up in 2023.
“You’re always excited, showing up on Sunday with a lead,” Reed said. “That’s what I feel like all of us live for as players, competitors, to have a chance to win on Sundays and play late on Sundays and just battle out with all the guys. I know it’s not going to be easy — it never is — and doesn’t matter how big of a lead you have.
“Looking forward to (Sunday) and just hopefully go out there and keep doing what I’m doing, putting well and hitting fairways and greens.”
First-day leader Francesco Molinari and fellow Italian Andrea Pavan both shot rounds of 71 to stand tied for fifth place, six strokes behind Reed.
Not faring as well on Saturday and well off the pace are World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and No. 3 Tommy Fleetwood of England. McIlroy finished with a 71 to move to 3-under, and Fleetwood shot a 73 to stand 2-over for the tournament.
–Field Level Media
