Ryder Cup team-mates Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy are set to go head-to-head for the Dubai Invitational title after an enthralling third round in the United Arab Emirates.
The duo’s “Fleetwood Mac” partnership claimed two points from two in the foursomes in Rome last year as Europe beat the United States 16.5-11.5 but they will be in competition on day four at Dubai Creek Resort, with Fleetwood holding a one-shot lead at the top of the leaderboard.
McIlroy had dominated the first two rounds in the desert, maintaining a two-shot lead earned via an opening 62 despite carding a quadruple-bogey in a 70 on Friday.
A bogey-free 63 Saturday for @TommyFleetwood1 ✍️He leads the way in Dubai. #DubaiInvitational pic.twitter.com/YAv9yj92I7 — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 13, 2024 But Fleetwood signed for a bogey-free 63 on day three to lead the way at 15 under, one clear of McIlroy, who carded a 67. “I felt I played very well, got off to the perfect start and got momentum early on, which I didn’t have yesterday,” said Fleetwood. “I hit a couple of really nice putts early on, was rolling the ball well and hit the greens well.