Tyrrell Hatton is keen to add an “iconic event” to his CV this weekend after moving into contention at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The Englishman carded eight birdies against a single bogey in a second-round 65 at Emirates Golf Club to reach eight under – four behind halfway leader Ewen Ferguson.
Hatton would equal Jon Rahm's record of five Rolex Series victories if he were to win on Sunday and was delighted to have boosted his chances.
“It was a good day,” he said. “Felt a lot more comfortable on the greens today. Yesterday I struggled a bit with pace and then, from the get-go, I felt like I had good speed, and just felt very comfortable over the ball on the greens, and it was nice to see some putts go in.
“Overall, I'm just happy with sort of getting myself back around the leaders going into the weekend and hoping that I can continue to make some birdies.
“On the front nine I struggled a little bit off the tee but I was striking the ball quite nicely. I just wasn't hitting enough fairways. I got a little bit lucky with some of the lies but overall, I think I drove the ball a little bit better on the back nine. I certainly felt that way. Yeah, that needs to continue this weekend.
“I'm in a pretty steady spot. I'd love to go and have another good round tomorrow and give myself a chance going into Sunday. I feel like this is one of those events that you would love to have on your CV - it's an iconic event for the DP World Tour, and yeah, I'd love to give myself a chance.”
