World No.5 Bryson DeChambeau carded a second consecutive round of 66 to take a share of the lead into the weekend of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic alongside Australia’s Lucas Herbert (63) on 12-under-par.
Herbert equalled his career-best round of 63 as he rolled in an eagle and seven birdies at Emirates Golf Club and is joined at the top by DeChambeau who also eagled the 9th en route to a 6-under-par round.
Past winners Alvaro Quiros and Ernie Els sit one back on 11-under-par while a group of five players – including defending champion Haotong Li and Matt Wallace – sit on 10-under-par.
Low Numbers
“Everyone is making low numbers around the back nine,” said Herbert. “You’ve obviously got the three par-5s, and 17 is drivable, so there’s some good birdie opportunities.
“I knew I just had to take advantage of them straight out of the gate. I did that with an eagle-birdie-birdie start, and kind of just kept flowing. I was like seven under through about 11 holes, and it just felt like I was cruising. I probably left some out there to be honest.” – Lucas Herbert
DeChambeau was delighted with his second successive 66, especially the way he bounced back from making three bogeys. “I thought after yesterday getting it around not making a bogey was awesome, but today even more impressive with three bogeys on the card, still shooting 6-under – I was happy about that,” said the American.
Rolling back the years
Els was rolling back the years after he followed a 68 with a 65 to sit one back. “I like this place, as you know,” he told reporters, referring to his three wins in 1994, 2002 and 2005. “I’ve had some really great times here. I’m swinging well, my body feels well. Playing with Colin Montgomerie and José Maria Olazabal was also fun. We’ve done a lot in the game, and we had a good couple of chats, and I found my form. You’ve got to love it!”
