Tiger Back in the Hunt With McIlroy the Favourite in Dubai

Tiger Woods rode a 66 on Friday to jump 22 spots on the leaderboard and is now just four back of leader Rory McIlroy as he enters the weekend in 5th place at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Tiger got his rhythm back on Friday and with it he left his tumultuous opening round behind him as he made six birdies and no bogies to sit at 7-under overall after 36 holes.

It was Woods’ putter that got him back into the victory conversation as he finally got his flatstick going after a month filled with a plethora of missed birdies. 

He went from 30 putts in round one to just 25 in his second round and if he can keep rolling the ball well into the weekend he should prove a formidable adversary to anyone who makes a run for the trophy.

With the putter now working, it’s more than logical the bookmakers put Woods second on the betting board at (9-2).

Rory McIlroy led after round one and shot a 4-under 68 to stay atop the leaderboard after round two at 11-under.

McIlroy has looked as solid as ever making just a single bogey in each of his first two rounds and has missed only two greens over the same stretch.

The bookmakers love the Northern Irishman’s start and have anointed the 21-year old the favourite at (13-8).  A strong statement considering Tiger Woods, who most still believe is the game’s most feared player, is within striking distance.

Third on the board is fan favourite Sergio Garcia who shot his second straight 67 to sit just a shot back of McIlroy.

No doubt many will be pulling for Sergio this week, but he hasn’t given them much in the last year to instill any real confidence moving forward.

Garcia had just two top-10’s on the European Tour in 2010 and never really challenged for victory in any event.  His best result last year came in an event where he didn’t even play when he was an assistant captain for Colin Montgomery’s victorious Ryder Cup team.

Regardless, he’s in contention this week and if you want to take a flyer look at Garcia at (11-2).  However, it really is a number which doesn’t provide much value for a player who’s been inconsistent at best recently.

The long shot pick of the week before things teed off, Thomas Aiken is tied with Garcia for second after matching 67’s.

Golf is like life in a lot of ways. All the biggest wounds are self-inflicted   - Bill Clinton