Rory McIlroy discounting past glories as he chases third Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy publicly places little stock in two previous wins at the Dubai Desert Classic but one can be certain the rest of those vying for the famous trophy are well aware of his record at the Emirates Club. Should he prevail here, McIlroy would join Ernie Els as a three-times Desert Classic champion.

“I live in Ernie’s old house in Florida,” said McIlroy. “It would be nice to do something else sort of intertwined with him.”

McIlroy’s 69 – one stroke more than the best round in an 81-strong third-round field – puts him in the final group in his second start of 2022. Justin Harding produced his highest score of the week, 71, but still leads McIlroy’s 10 under par by two. Tommy Fleetwood and Erik van Rooyen are firmly part of this equation at minus nine. Yet given his status and previous glories, all eyes are fixed on McIlroy.

“I’m excited,” said McIlroy. “I had a really good chance in 2018 here and let it slip through my fingers. It is good to give myself another opportunity.”

So what of course and distance specialism? “It’s a new tournament, it’s a new year,” McIlroy said. “It’s basically a new course. You just go out there and try to play your best. The only thing is more experience and being in these positions before. Winning around here twice is nice but I don’t think it gives me any sort of advantage.”

Plenty will disagree. The hype around McIlroy, especially with another Masters tilt on the horizon, will intensify should be complete the three-timer.

Having played the front nine in 34, one under, McIlroy’s day was kickstarted by an eagle three at the 10th. He converted a putt from 16ft there. In increasingly testing conditions, with the greens particularly slick, McIlroy was on course for a 70 before reaching the