Patrick Reed climbed to the top of the leaderboard at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday, carding a 9-under total after the second round of play. The tournament, part of the European Tour schedule, saw mixed results for players affiliated with the LIV Golf circuit.
Reed’s consistent play over the two rounds positioned him as the sole leader heading into the weekend. The former Masters champion displayed control on the greens and accuracy off the tee, allowing him to navigate the sometimes challenging conditions at Emirates Golf Club effectively.
Meanwhile, defending champion Tyrrell Hatton remains within striking distance at 5-under, trailing Reed by four strokes. Hatton, who won the event in 2025, continues to produce solid performances and looks to mount a charge over the next two rounds.
In contrast, fellow LIV golfer Dustin Johnson failed to make the cut after struggling across both rounds. The former world No. 1 was unable to find rhythm in his game this week, marking an early exit from the event.
Other notable names from LIV Golf had varying fortunes. While some managed to stay in contention or make the cut, others found the conditions and competitive field difficult to overcome.
The Dubai Desert Classic remains one of the flagship events on the European Tour, attracting a strong international field. With the weekend rounds ahead, spectators can expect increased competition as players aim to position themselves for a final-round push.
Reed, who has had success on both the PGA and European tours, will look to capitalize on his current momentum in pursuit of adding another international title to his resume. The final two rounds promise to deliver competitive golf with several players still within reach of the lead.
Play resumes Saturday with featured groups including Reed and a number of past champions aiming to make their move up the leaderboard in the desert conditions of Dubai.
