Everything you need to know from the third round of the season finale on the 2020 Race to Dubai.
Reed showed grit, Fitz loved it, Bob made a big move towards history and long putts were the order of the day on Moving Day at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Here is everything you need to know from Saturday at the fourth Rolex Series event of the season.
Reed in the driving seat
It wasn't always pretty but Patrick Reed showed why he is a Major and WGC champion as he battled his way to a share of the lead with a 71. After starting with a two shot lead, the 2018 Masters Tournament winner admitted his performance was "sloppy" as he scrambled fantastically but still found himself one over for the day after 14 holes. He then holed a brilliant bunker shot on the 14th and took advantage of the par five last to sit at 11 under alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick and Laurie Canter. If he can stay at the top of the leaderboard after another 18 holes, he will be the first American to ever be crowned European Number One. "If it happens, it would be unbelievable," he said. "It was always a goal of mine obviously to win golf tournaments but to win this one and also to win the Race to Dubai and be the first American would be amazing."
True bromance
One man who was a huge fan of Reed's short game masterclass was playing partner Fitzpatrick, in fact he enjoyed everything about their pairing. "I think he's absolutely fantastic," he said. "For me, he's one of the best on Tour if not the best. He's so humble about it as well. He's a great bloke, really. We've had a good laugh out there today with plenty of talking." Could Matt FitzPatrick Reed be the new Moliwood? Well, they'll need a catchier name if so. Suggestions welcome.
Everything could change for Canter
Laurie Canter would be happy to admit that he will be the outsider when it comes to the three men sharing the lead. Reed has a Major and two WGCs, while Fitzpatrick has five European Tour wins and both of them have played in the Ryder Cup. With four more Majors, three Order of Merit/Race to Dubai titles and nine Rolex Series victories shared among the top 15, the man who secured his first European Tour top ten in August doesn't quite have that CV.............yet. But since claiming that first top ten he has had three more in ten events, with two second place finishes. "I guess if you put my name next to the rest of the top ten it would change my life more than the other nine guys, let's be honest," he said. "Let's see. Right now, I just need a good feed and then have a good sleep, wake up tomorrow and see what I turn up with and obviously do my best." A man on the up - don't bet against him.
Bob looking to join an exclusive club
Should Robert MacIntyre lift the trophy tomorrow, he will have a chance of making a two man club a trio. He'll need some help from those around him but the Scotsman could join countrymen Bernard Gallacher and Sandy Lyle as the only players to win the Harry Vardon Trophy the season after being crowned the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year. "It would mean everything," he said. "Not just to me but my whole team, my family." Not bad company to be in.
No putter required
Branden Grace is a Rolex Series champion so he knows to produce in these events. But will he have produced a better shot than this? Take a bow.
"That was something special!"
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 12, 2020
Some touch @BrandenGrace 👏#DPWTC #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/97ts1Qim2V
But when they are
Everyone loves a long putt don't they? Well feast your eyes on these bombs. Well played, gents.
The perfect pace putt 👌@LaurieCanter gets within one of the lead.#DPWTC #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/6z5glv58iT
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 12, 2020
It's been a tough day for Tommy, but that'll help 👏#DPWTC #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/ZkMMnH0yZj
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 12, 2020