Rolex Series

Hero Dubai Desert Classic - Day four digest

Everything you need to know from Moving Day at Emirates Golf Club.

Rory McIlroy stormed to the top of the leaderboard while some other form horses made big moves during Sunday's third round at the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Here is everything you need to know from Moving Day at Emirates Golf Club.

McIlroy makes magnificent start

World Number One Rory McIlroy began the day two shots off the lead but soon hit the front after making a lightning-quick start on Sunday. He birdied the first four holes courtesy of a series of close-range putts to reach the top of the leaderboard. The Northern Irishman made eight birdies in all and one bogey as he signed for a third-round 65 to lead by three ahead of Monday's final round.

...and a stunning save

Just as impressive as McIlroy's birdies were the par saves in the middle of his round. This up-and-down at the par-three 11th was perhaps the best of the bunch.

Fox climbs the leaderboard

Ryan Fox had a fairly early start on Sunday after following up his opening 69 with a 71 on Saturday to sit at four under par at the halfway stage. But he stormed up the leaderboard in round three after carding an eagle, five birdies and one bogey in his 66. We became used to seeing him in contention over the weekend last season and it looks like that's not going to change any time soon.

Bradbury enjoys playing in front of bumper crowd

Joburg Open champion Dan Bradbury had huge galleries following him on Sunday as he played in the same group as McIlroy. The Englishman knows many of the fans were there for the four-time Major Champion but he enjoyed the support he received. He said: "It was pretty cool. A very unique experience. Got a few shouts of my name but they were mainly for Rory, but that's to be expected. It was great having a lot of people out there.

Perez at it again

Last week's winner Victor Perez quietly moved into a strong position on Sunday, posting a bogey-free 66 courtesy of six birdies to head into Monday's final round on 11 under par. Could he go back-to-back and secure another Rolex Series crown? This is what it would mean to him... "It would be incredible to go back-to-back, obviously two Rolex Series events to start the year, it would be incredible," he said.

Read next