Francesco Molinari made a strong statement on Saturday at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, firing three consecutive birdies to take the outright lead in a highly competitive field. The Italian’s hot start on the third day at the Emirates Golf Club has put him in prime position to challenge for the title in this prestigious Rolex Series event.
Strong Field and German-Speaking Contingent in Dubai
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic continues to attract a star-studded lineup, including seven German-speaking players such as Nicolai von Dellingshausen, Marcel Siem, Marcel Schneider, Joel Girrbach, Freddy Schott, Bernd Wiesberger, and Jeremy Paul. Their presence adds significant depth to the tournament, which boasts a prize fund of $9 million.
Internationally, the tournament features top names like Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the event, Tommy Fleetwood, and Patrick Reed. After his recent victory in Dubai, Nacho Elvira is also competing with boosted confidence. The tournament is part of the DP World Tour, which continues to grow in prestige and competitiveness.
Molinari’s Saturday Surge
Francesco Molinari’s performance on Saturday was marked by precision and composure. His three birdies in a row early in the round gave him momentum and a clear edge over the chasing pack. Molinari’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities is a hallmark of his game, and it showed again on the challenging layout of the Emirates Golf Club.
His lead at this stage sets up an exciting final day, where the pressure will be on to maintain his form against a field that includes several major winners and seasoned DP World Tour competitors.
Broadcast and Coverage
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is broadcast live on MagnetaTV, with coverage starting at 8:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, and moving to an 8:00 AM start over the weekend. Fans can follow the action closely as the tournament unfolds.