Rory McIlroy erupted in the second round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, carving a 66 that included six birdies and no bogeys. The Irish star’s flawless play left him 4 under par, tightening the leaderboard and sending a clear message that he’s still a threat in the early season.

After a solid 70 in the opening round, McIlroy’s aggressive strategy paid off, as he avoided the desert’s tricky wind and capitalised on every green. His performance keeps him in the top three of the Dubai leaderboard, putting pressure on rivals like Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa for the season.

With the tournament still in its stages, McIlroy’s form could spark a title chase, while his rivals must tighten their games. Fans will watch how the wind shifts in the final rounds and whether the Irishman can maintain his momentum to secure a victory that would boost his world ranking.