Reed leads in Dubai and McIlroy
needs a big weekend to challenge for the title
[January 24, 2026]
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Patrick Reed moved into the lead
at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday and has a familiar foe trying
to chase him down over the weekend.
Rory McIlroy sounds up for the fight, too.
I came from 10 behind a couple years ago to win, the No. 2-ranked
McIlroy said defiantly. I think Im seven back at the minute.
McIlroy sure will need to improve to reel in Reed, the former
Masters champion who kept his card clean and shot 6-under 66 to take
a one-stroke lead after the second round at Emirates Golf Club.
Reed, a LIV Golf member who plays frequently on the European tour,
made four birdies and a 40-footer for eagle at the par-5 13th. The
American was on 9-under 135 for the week.
McIlroy birdied the par-5 18th to shoot 69 and repair some of the
damage from a 72 in the first round.
Few know the course better than McIlroy, the record four-time
champion including in 2024 when he was 11 shots back heading onto
the 18th hole on the Friday yet still won, and in 2023 when he
outlasted Reed in a memorable final-round duel that got personal.
Throw in their loud singles match at the Ryder Cup in 2016, won by
Reed, and they certainly have some history.
If I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in
the morning, and post a low one, then Ill be right in the mix come
Sunday, said McIlroy, who was tied for 20th.
Reed, who has placed second and 10th in his two other appearances at
the Dubai Desert Classic, said he was happy with his game, having
started with a round of 69 in much tougher conditions.
The good thing is today I felt like (I'm) hitting the ball exactly
where I need to and I feel like Im hitting some solid putts, Reed
said.
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Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks on the 3rd green during
second round of the Dubai Desert Classic in United Arab Emirates,
Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Andy Sullivan finished birdie-eagle to shoot 65
the lowest round of the day and was alone in second place, one
stroke ahead of Italian pair Andrea Pavan (68) and first-round
leader Francesco Molinari (72).
Johnson misses cut
Dustin Johnson, the longtime former No. 1, was the biggest name to
miss the cut after a second straight 74.
The American is becoming an afterthought in golf after moving to the
breakaway LIV circuit in 2022, the same year as Reed, and has slid
to No. 639 in the world ranking.
Fleetwood languishing
No. 3-ranked Tommy Fleetwood is another headliner in Dubai, where he
now lives, but only just made the cut after struggling to a 72 to be
10 shots off the lead.
Better placed was Tyrrell Hatton, the defending champion who shot 69
and was in sixth place, four strokes off the lead.
Hatton, another LIV golfer, chipped in for eagle at the short par-4
No. 17 for his highlight of the day.
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