Reed Pulls clear on moving day to take firm control in Dubai

Patrick Reed seized control of the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a commanding Moving Day performance, carding a 5-under 67 to open up a four-shot lead heading into the final round at Emirates Golf Club.

The former Masters champion moved to 14-under, pulling clear of Spain’s David Puig, who surged into solo second after a closing birdie-birdie finish for a 66 to reach 10-under. Viktor Hovland produced one of the rounds of the day with a 65 to climb into a share of third at 9-under alongside England’s Andy Sullivan (71).

Reed began the day with a narrow overnight advantage and was quickly drawn into a front-nine duel with Francesco Molinari, the first-round leader. Molinari opened with three straight birdies to reach double figures, but Reed answered with birdies of his own, edged ahead at the turn, and never relinquished control.

Once in front, Reed accelerated. Birdies early on the back nine, combined with Molinari’s slip-ups, stretched the gap. A confident birdie run through the middle of the round pushed Reed to 13-under, and a closing gain extended his cushion to four.

Puig briefly faltered with a bogey at the 11th but finished sharply to keep the pressure on. Hovland’s late charge also brought him firmly into contention, while Molinari and Andrea Pavan (71) dropped back to 8-under.

India’s challenge ended earlier in the week, with Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (73-73) and Shubhankar Sharma (74-77) missing the cut.

With Reed holding a clear lead and a chasing pack stacked with major winners, the stage is set for a decisive Sunday in Dubai.

Photo – Patrick Reed/DPWT