Rory McIlroy launched into the outright lead of the Dubai Desert Classic in sensational fashion with a Saturday 63.
The Northern Irishman went into the third round at the Emirates Golf Club on -3, ten shots behind leader Cameron Young.
As Young faltered on Saturday afternoon, however, McIlroy put in a stunning performance, notching up seven birdies before finishing with a spectacular eagle on the final hole to leap into the lead.
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Rory McIlroy catapults to lead of Dubai Desert Classic
By the time Rory McIlroy lined up his putt on the edge of the 18th green, he knew that an eagle would put him in a tie for the lead with American Cameron Young - but he was staring down a tricky long-range putt through the first cut and across several ridges.
No matter for McIlroy, who sunk the putt for a share of the lead - which soon became the outright lead after dropped shots from Young (for now, at least - Young is yet to finish his round).
.@McIlroyRory eagles 18 to take a share of the lead 🙌 #DubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/og6D13r2YG
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 20, 2024
McIlroy's eagle at the 18th was just one of several highlights from a memorable round.
The four-time Major champion also rattled off three birdies in a row to close out the front nine, on three of the most challenging holes on the course.
Every shot of @McIlroyRory's birdie-birdie-birdie front nine finish 💪 #DubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/huqYPlWkyo
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 20, 2024
The bogey-free round was a frankly outrageous performance and, even if Young does manage to reposition himself as the leader going into the final round, McIlroy has put himself right in the mix.
One could not have imagined that McIlroy would have been in contention when he started Saturday's round in tied 24th, but it is a testament to how well he is currently playing that he has managed to work his way to the top of the leaderboard.
McIlroy spoke after his round about his immense motivation to continue pushing the limits of his capabilities:
I think the fact that I turn up every day still trying to get better, the consistency I've shown throughout my career...I've never lost the hunger to go out and play better - but I've also never lost the joy of the game. That's really, really important.
It's never felt like a job to me. The day it does feel like a job is the day I need to give up.
The pursuit of greatness continues for Rory McIlroy.#DubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/RMTrQyNYgQ
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 20, 2024
The stunning third round comes just a week after McIlroy's error on the 18th at the Dubai Invitational left him in the water and cost him victory, handing the trophy to Englishman Tommy Fleetwood.
He has tasted success three times before at the Dubai Desert Classic - including in last year's event - so here's hoping Rory McIlroy's second tournament charge in Dubai has a happier ending than last week's effort.
Coverage of the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic gets underway at 4am on Sunday on Sky Sports.
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