DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Ernie Els rolled back the years to shoot a seven-under par 65 round and move to within one shot of the leaders at the halfway stage of the $3.25 million Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Friday.
The 49-year-old South African, who last won at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club in 2005, is on 11-under par 133, just one behind joint leaders Bryson DeChambeau (66) of the US and Australian Lucas Herbert (63).
A three-time major champion, Els’ previous tournament win came at the 2013 BMW International Open. But seven birdies and an eagle in the second round raised visions of a possible 29th European Tour title.
Els, whose first of his three Desert Classic wins came 25 year ago in 1994, was under no illusions regarding the task at hand if he is to lift the trophy on Sunday.
“You’ve got to keep going. I think these youngsters, they’re going to keep firing birdies. I think the course might get a little bit tougher because the greens are going to get a little firmer and quicker, but these kids can really play,” he said.
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“I’m just happy with the first two days. Still a lot of work to be done.”
DeChambeau, the highest ranked player in the field this week at number five in the world, made two stunning birdies from the desert on the third and the eighth hole in his 66, which also included three bogeys. The round may have taken him to the top of the leaderboard, but he was still far from happy with his ball-striking.
