DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nicolai Højgaard positioned himself as a frontrunner to clinch the World Tour Championship title for a second time, seizing a three-stroke lead on Friday. However, a host of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars are in close pursuit, eager to capitalize on any missteps.
Among the contenders is Rory McIlroy, whose exceptional short game allowed him to secure a 69 in the second round, a performance that keeps him in contention for a fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title. McIlroy is currently tied for second place in a competitive five-player group that includes Justin Rose and Shane Lowry, both of whom shot rounds of 67. Robert MacIntyre and Tommy Fleetwood, also Ryder Cup teammates, follow closely behind, with MacIntyre finishing with 67 while Fleetwood managed a 71. Tyrrell Hatton rounds out the chase, shooting a 67 and currently sitting one shot further back.
Leading the pack is Højgaard, ranked 70th and not a member of the Ryder Cup lineup this year—a role his twin brother, Rasmus, filled. Yet, he has demonstrated his prowess at the Earth Course, shooting a day-low 65 to complement his opening round of 67, bringing his total to 12 under par for the tournament. Højgaard, who won the championship in 2023, has impressively returned to form after missing the event last year.
“This tournament is one of my favorites,” Højgaard said. “It’s nice to be back in good form, and the course suits my style, particularly with mid-irons. It feels like a great fit for me.”
McIlroy managed a mix of six birdies and three bogeys during his round, struggling off the tee by his own high standards but showcasing remarkable wedge play. “I felt like I showed my scoring skills today and stayed patient,” he shared. “Shooting a 69 is a solid outcome considering some challenging spots I faced.”
With McIlroy, Rose, and Lowry sharing second place are Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Daniel Hillier, both carding respectable rounds of 67 and 68, respectively. Only Marco Penge and Hatton, who occupy second and third in the Race to Dubai standings, can potentially disrupt McIlroy’s bid for the title this week. However, Penge is significantly behind in 44th place, making it nearly impossible for him to catch up, leaving only Hatton with a realistic chance.
Hatton, who is five strokes back of Højgaard, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating he needs a win and requires McIlroy to finish no higher than tied for eighth to have a chance. “Every tournament week starts with the goal to win, and while I know I need some favorable outcomes, I’m focused on just playing better,” he noted as he prepares for the task ahead.
Fleetwood had a challenging second round after beginning the day in second place, shooting an eagle and experiencing a frustrating 16 pars along with a solitary bogey. His dropped shot ended an impressive streak of 69 holes without a bogey, dating back to the 15th hole of the second round in Abu Dhabi last week.
As the tournament unfolds, excitement builds not only for Højgaard’s potential victory but also for the fierce competition among the elite players. The final rounds promise to deliver thrilling golf as these athletes vie for the ultimate title in the world of professional golf.