Tyrrell Hatton was delighted with his par save at the 18th hole.
Jumeirah Golf Estates: What’s the crowd like? It’s not so.
Hatton’s par-5 tee shot went into the creek that runs along the fairway. He dropped his ball approximately 250 yards from the green. He shot a 3 wood, and two-putted for Par. This is a day after he made bogey on closing hole.
However, the fans surrounding the green didn’t respond to his shot.
Hatton stated, “That’s probably the best 3-wood I’ve ever hit in my lifetime, to be fair,” Hatton added. It was a hard crowd on 18. It was a great way to end the day.
Hatton shot a second round 5-under 67 to tie Matt Fitzpatrick, who is at 12 under. There are 36 holes remaining in the DP World Tour Championship. After matching 65s on Thursday, the duo played Friday together and copied each other again in the second round.
Hatton had eight birdies, three double bogeys, and the clutch par save at the 18th. Fitzpatrick’s 12th hole bogey was his first of the week, but he recovered with three birdies on both the front and back nines to keep a share of lead.
Fitzpatrick won the DP World Tour Championship twice previously. He would win the season-long points race if he wins a third time.
Fitzpatrick stated, “I feel very comfortable with my game, especially after three weeks off. I look forward to the weekend.”
They are three shots ahead of Alex Noren (who is 9 under) and Adri Arnaus (who are at 9 under). Jon Rahm shot 6-under-66 Friday and is tied for fifth.
Rory McIlroy shot 4-under 68 on Friday to become the top-ranked player worldwide and leader in DP World Tour points races going into the week. He is currently T-11.
McIlroy must finish in a tie for second, or solo, if Fitzpatrick is to win.
