Reed’s Commanding Lead Shakes Up Dubai Desert Classic as McIlroy Stumbles and Hovland Charges Forward
Hovland eyes second title
Hovland’s last win on the European tour was at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2022, when he started the final round six back and triumphed in a playoff over Richard Bland.
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The No. 14-ranked Norwegian has changed his swing in recent years and still doesn’t feel entirely comfortable, despite being bogey-free on Saturday.
“Still doesn’t feel like I can stand on the tee and kind of swing for the fences and swing loosely,” said Hovland, who is playing his first event of 2026. “It’s all very contrived and manufactured, and it happened to go straight today. If I get off the tee and in a decent position, I can really do some damage.


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