Abu Dhabi Championship – Third Round Summary

Paul Waring of England holds a slim one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship after his third-round 73 at Yas Links. Waring, who set a course record with a stunning 61 in the second round, sits at 18-under, just ahead of Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard, who shot a solid 69.

Waring’s performance took a slight dip in the third round, starting with a birdie on the second hole but then slipping with bogeys on the fourth and 14th. Reflecting on his round, Waring said, “I could have really moved forward today and put myself out of sight, but in four rounds of golf, you’re always going to have an iffy round.” Despite this, he remains confident, appreciative of his position atop the leaderboard.

Leaderboard Highlights

1. -18: Paul Waring (Eng)
2. -17: Niklas Norgaard (Den)
3. -15: Shane Lowry (Ire), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Thorbjoern Olesen (Den), Sebastian Soderberg (Swe)
4. -14: Robert MacIntyre (Sco), Thomas Detry (Bel), Nicolai Hojgaard (Den), Ugo Coussaud (Fra), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng), Francesco Laporta (Ita)

*Selected Others*: -13: Rory McIlroy (NI), Andy Sullivan (Eng), Matthew Jordan (Eng)

Chasing Pack and Notable Performances

Fleetwood, a two-time Abu Dhabi champion, remains in contention despite battling issues with his putting, finishing his round with a 71. Ireland’s Shane Lowry made a strong push with an eagle on the par-five second hole and five birdies, scoring 66 to join Fleetwood and others at 15 under. Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg and Denmark’s Thorbjoern Olesen also finished the day at 15 under.

Belgium’s Thomas Detry had the standout round of the day, posting a 10-under 62, with no bogeys. This round moved him into a six-way tie at 14 under, alongside Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre and England’s Tyrrell Hatton.

McIlroy’s Race to Dubai Challenge

Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy started nine shots behind but showed resilience, climbing within three shots of Waring before a costly double-bogey on the final hole dropped him back to 13 under. His 69 keeps him within range, but he acknowledges the need to limit big mistakes, saying, “I just need to keep the big mistakes and big numbers off my card.” McIlroy must finish in the top two to secure the Race to Dubai title heading into next week’s season finale.

With a close leaderboard and numerous players vying for the top spot, the final round promises an exciting conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Championship.