For a spell on Friday afternoon the organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic had cause for panic. Jon Rahm had already tumbled out of the tournament after 36 holes, Viktor Hovland was heading the same way and Rory McIlroy was dangerously close to the cut line. Not for the first time at the Emirates Club, McIlroy saved the day; a birdie at the 18th meant he survived for the weekend with three shots to spare.
Rahm's struggles on his first start of 2025 and debut in this tournament caused widespread shock. The Spaniard's second round of 77, including two double bogeys, contrasted sharply with a Thursday 69. Not the way you want to start the year, the 2023 Masters champion admitted.
If there's any positive side of it, it is the beginning of the year. There's a lot of golf and a lot of months to look forward to. I have a pretty clear idea of what I need to work on. For these next two weeks, I will go home and try to get better.
I absolutely love the golf course, absolutely love the setup... If the schedule allows, I would like to be here next year and hopefully get some redemption.
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