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With a Closing Eagle, Rory McIlroy Roars Into Contention in Dubai

Rory McIlroy shot a 63 on Saturday in Dubai, where he's in position to win the event for the fifth time.

Bob Harig

With a Closing Eagle, Rory McIlroy Roars Into Contention in Dubai
With a Closing Eagle, Rory McIlroy Roars Into Contention in Dubai /

Rory McIlroy is at it again in Dubai.

McIlroy was 10 strokes back of leader Cam Young when the third round began at Emirates Golf Club early Saturday morning, but he holed a putt from off the 18th green for an eagle to tie for the lead at the time before ending the day two back. 

“Needed to play well today to get myself back in the tournament and I was able to do that," McIlroy said. "Great finish at the last. Bit of a bonus."

"It wasn't a great lie so I putted it. Obviously was hoping to get that ball within six feet of the hole."

McIlroy signed for 63 at the Dubai Desert Classic and will be seeking his fourth victory in the tournament. He was runner-up last week at the Dubai Invitational. McIlroy and Young will play the final round alongside Adrian Meronk, who is tied with McIlroy, two shots behind Young.

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Bob Harig
BOB HARIG

Bob Harig is a senior writer covering golf for Sports Illustrated. He has more than 25 years experience on the beat, including 15 at ESPN. Harig is a regular guest on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio and has written two books, "DRIVE: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods" and "Tiger and Phil: Golf's Most Fascinating Rivalry." He graduated from Indiana University where he earned an Evans Scholarship, named in honor of the great amateur golfer Charles (Chick) Evans Jr. Harig, a former president of the Golf Writers Association of America, lives in Clearwater, Fla.