Patrick Reed seized a significant four-stroke advantage going into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, following a stellar third-round performance on Saturday, January 24, 2026, positioning himself for a potential maiden Rolex Series title. The American golfer, a former Masters champion, overcame an early challenge from Italy’s Francesco Molinari to post a five-under 67, reaching 14-under par overall, highlighting the importance of ball striking and a re-energized putting game on the demanding Majlis Course.
Reed began the “Moving Day” with a narrow overnight lead at nine under but faced immediate pressure from Molinari, a past 18-hole leader, who birdied his first three holes to briefly reach double digits. Demonstrating resilience, Reed responded with three birdies and two bogeys in his opening seven holes, drawing even before pulling away on the back nine. A birdie on the ninth secured the outright lead, which he extended with three additional birdies, cementing a strong finish.
“The biggest thing right now is the driving,” Reed stated after his round, emphasizing the improvement in his ball-striking, which he noted has allowed him to unlock the rest of his game. He expressed the excitement of competing with a lead on Sunday, a challenge all professional players relish, acknowledging that despite the cushion, the final round will be demanding.
Challengers Line Up Behind the Leader
The scramble for second place produced some low scores, with Spain’s David Puig surging into solo second at ten under after an impressive six-under 66, capped by back-to-back birdies on his final two holes.
“It was a great day from start to finish,” Puig commented, recognizing the need for an exceptional round to catch players of Reed’s caliber.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland, the 2022 champion, matched Puig’s energy by carding a bogey-free 65, placing him a shot further back at nine under, tied with England’s Andy Sullivan. Hovland praised his consistent approach, noting, “It was very nice and steady today. Hit a lot of fairways.” He emphasized the importance of positioning off the tee on the challenging layout.
Italian duo Molinari and Andrea Pavan are tied for fifth at eight under, ensuring a packed leaderboard of seasoned professionals and rising stars vying for a high finish.
Beyond the Green: Final Day Festivities
While the tournament finale unfolds on the Majlis course, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic offers a rich array of off-course entertainment for spectators. Known as the first GEO Certified golf event in the Middle East for its sustainable practices, the venue continues its family-friendly programming on Championship Sunday.
The day features family activities at the expanded Kids Zone, plus roving entertainment including stilt walkers, caricature artists, and live music extending into the evening. The Sustainability Corner will continue hosting eco-focused educational activities. Attendees can also explore the diverse offerings at the new Eat Street food hub, featuring 12 unique vendors, including popular international brands.
Spectator Information and Access:
- Tickets: Sunday admission is AED 125 at the gate (AED 100 in advance). Children under 17 are free when registered and accompanied by an adult.
- Transportation: Public transport is strongly encouraged, as public parking is extremely limited. The most convenient access is via the Dubai Metro Red Line to the Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station, which is directly outside the main entrance to Emirates Golf Club. Complimentary parking is available at distant Metro stations like Centrepoint for those opting to drive partway.
With a strong field chasing a confident leader, the final round promises high drama as the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic culminates in Dubai. Further details and ticket purchases are available on the official tournament website.