HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

January 23, 2026

Rory McIlroy

Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club

Press Conference

Q. 69, try and talk us through that round.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I felt like I did pretty well. Conditions, they got trickier as the day went on. I think as we started out there wasn't a ton of wind, but as we got to the back nine, the wind picked up and greens are getting firm, and it's tricky out there. So you have to pick-and-choose your spots when to be aggressive, try and take advantage of the par 5s, and I felt like I did a pretty good job of that.

I hit a lot of good shots today. I hit a lot of good putts that didn't go in. But overall, you know, it was an improvement on yesterday, and at least give myself a half a chance going into the weekend.

Q. The last two holes, sensed a bit of frustration there. Was it with conditions or your game or nothing quite clicking today?

RORY McILROY: I thought the game, like the long game clicked a little bit better today. I hit a lot better iron shots. I think just I had a lot of putts that looked like they were going to go in but didn't.

I feel like I gave myself plenty of opportunities, and I didn't take maybe as many as I wanted to. But I'm sure everyone in the field feels that way, as well. But I have a tee time tomorrow, and hopefully shoot a good one and get right back in contention.

Q. Looks like you'll be a few back of Patrick Reed, but if there is a golf course you would want to catch up on the weekend, is this the one for you?

RORY McILROY: It's up there. I think I came from ten behind a couple years ago to win. I think I'm seven back at the minute.

Yeah, if I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I'll be right in the mix come Sunday.