Jon Rahm sits tied for the lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after carding a five-under-par 67 in his second round at Yas Links, reaching 12-under par overall alongside English golfer Tyrrell Hatton and Italian participant Francesco Laporta. Returning to competitive play following a nearly two-month absence marked by the birth of his daughter Begoña, the Spanish competitor shot an undulating round featuring eight birdies and three bogeys to match the leading score at the DP World Tour Rolex Series event.
Rahm Overcomes Early Struggles to Share Halfway Lead
Competing on a course he had never played prior to this week, Rahm recovered from an early dropped shot on the sixth hole to secure a share of the halfway lead. The tournament marks a high-profile reunion for several figures from professional golf, as Rahm and Hatton rejoin European circuit competition following recent shifts in the sport. Laporta, who shared the first-round lead after opening with a 62, played alongside Rahm during Friday’s action.
Chasing Pack Led by McIlroy and Puig
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy carded a career-best 11 birdies en route to a nine-under 63, bringing his tournament total to 11-under par despite a two-stroke penalty incurred during the opening round. Compatriots and rivals lurk closely behind the leading trio, as fellow Spaniard David Puig fired a 64 to reach 10-under par, while England’s Tommy Fleetwood stands at eight-under par following a second-round 66. Manuel Elvira also sits inside the top ten at nine-under par after posting a 66.
Jon Rahm backs up an opening 65 with a Friday 67 to co-lead the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Laporta. Rory McIlroy, Adrian Meronk, Sam Bairstow and Matthew Jordan are a shot further back at 11 under. With David Puig and Bernd… https://t.co/RSYLqfuFpL pic.twitter.com/g2zpBFsKAN
Player Perspectives on the Tournament Conditions
Reflecting on the low scoring and firm course setup, Rahm noted the high calibre of the field assembled in the United Arab Emirates. When you give to some of the best players in the world greens perfect and firm fairways, unless the wind conditions go crazy, you’re going to have very tight results, and that’s what we’re seeing on this course,
Rahm said. Despite minor errors off the tee, the Spanish professional expressed satisfaction with his ball-striking as the tournament approaches the weekend rounds.
Final Group Tees off Saturday Morning in Abu Dhabi
Rahm, Hatton, and Laporta are scheduled to tee off in the final group on Saturday at 8:50 local time in Abu Dhabi. A strong finish this week could push Rahm into the top ten of the Race to Dubai standings ahead of next week’s season finale.
