Francesco Molinari is relishing the chance to have "fun out on the course" after remaining in contention at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The Italian led the event after 18 holes following a sensational 65 during the opening round before a level-par 72 on Friday.
He battled for the lead with Patrick Reed during front nine on Moving Day after starting his third round with three straight birdies.
Reed eventually marched forward as he carded a five-under 67 to open up a four-shot lead ahead of Sunday's final round at Emirates Golf Club.
Successive bogeys from the 13th saw Molinari slip back to eight under, six adrift of the American.
Despite the setbacks on the back nine, the 2018 Open Championship winner is thrilled to be playing well in this event having missed the cut on his last two starts on the Majlis course.
"Obviously great start. Played solid most of the day, just the putter went cold on the back (nine). I really lost momentum on 12 and 13," said Molinari, who is aiming for his first top-ten finish here at the 11th time of asking.
"Probably that putt on 12 and that second shot on 13, you know, turned the day around a little bit.
"But very solid the way I'm playing. I'm having fun out on the course. Couldn't ask for much more.
"It's great fun to play good golf. Especially around here, even when I was playing my best, I never really played that well (here).
"So maybe it's a good sign that's my first really good week here at the Emirates.
"Like I said, I'm having lots of fun. The course setup is great. The ground crew has done an amazing job making it testing, but fair."
