Rory McIlroy makes weekend at Desert Classic but Rahm and Hovland exit

Dubai-based Scot Ewen Ferguson leads way on 12 under while Jon Rahm’s struggles cause a surprise after dismal 77.

ONTO THE WEEKEND: Rory McIlroy tees off at 8th hole during the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic. Pic: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri.

For a spell on Friday afternoon the organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic had cause for panic.

Jon Rahm had already tumbled out of the tournament after 36 holes, Viktor Hovland was heading the same way and Rory McIlroy was dangerously close to the cut line. Not for the first time at the Emirates Club, McIlroy saved the day; a birdie at the 18th meant he survived for the weekend with three shots to spare.