The 2025 Dubai Desert Classic kicked off with a star-studded field of top talent from around the globe, with Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson and New Zealand’s Dan Hillier taking the lead at 12 and 11-under respectively, creating a gap from the rest of the pack. Notable players like Tyrrell Hatton, Shaun Norris, and Tommy Fleetwood are among those looking to catch up. Pre-tournament favorite Rory McIlroy is trailing behind, nine strokes shy of the leader, Ferguson, with only 36 holes left to play.
Despite a shaky start, McIlroy remains hopeful of making a comeback, unlike some of his fellow Ryder Cup teammates and other big names who failed to make the cut after struggling to maintain even par. The Spanish player, Jon Rahm, had an unfortunate Friday, shooting a five-over 77 following his promising three-under 69 from the first round. South African Thriston Lawrence and Belgian Thomas Pieters also missed the cut, facing tough conditions on day two that led to poor performances.
Polish player Adrian Meronk and South African Dean Burmester also failed to advance after posting disappointing scores in the second round. Englishman Paul Waring, fresh off a successful Team Cup appearance and a recent win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, struggled in Dubai, missing the cut with a six-over 78 in the second round. Norwegian Viktor Hovland and Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald also fell short, unable to maintain momentum in the challenging field.
Meanwhile, American Jimmy Walker, the 2016 PGA Championship winner, faced similar struggles, failing to produce his best performance in Dubai. With rounds of 74 and 77, Walker had too many bogeys and missed the cut. Although these big names missed out on the weekend tee times, the Dubai Desert Classic continues with Ferguson and Hillier leading the pack, showcasing their skills against a competitive field. Despite the challenges faced by these players, the tournament highlights the resilience and determination required to succeed in the world of professional golf.
