While Scotland's Ewen Ferguson has established a one-stroke lead at the Dubai Desert Classic after solid rounds of 67 and 65 pushed him to 12 under par, Jon Rahm of Spain and Viktor Hovland of Norway were among those who missed the 36-hole cut Friday.

Jon Rahm missed the cut and Rory McIlroy was forced to battle to make the weekend as the headline acts struggled at the Dubai Desert Classic. Ewen Ferguson was taking full advantage.

Viktor Hovland has made yet another change to his team ahead of the 2025 season, with the Norwegian star keen to bounce back to form after enduring some struggles last year

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland missed the cut and Rory McIlroy was forced to battle to make the weekend as the headline acts struggled at the Dubai Desert Classic.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland missed the cut and Rory McIlroy was forced to battle to make the weekend as the headline acts struggled at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Jon Rahm, on the eve of the Dubai Desert Classic, revealed a change in philosophy for LIV Golf amid the OWGR controversy.

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.

Jon Rahm is playing in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week along with likely 2025 Ryder Cup team-mates Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood; watch live on Thursday from 4am on Sky Spor

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

While Scotland's Ewen Ferguson has established a one-stroke lead at the Dubai Desert Classic after solid rounds of 67 and 65 pushed him to 12 under par, Jon Rahm of Spain and Viktor Hovland of Norway were among those who missed the 36-hole cut Friday.

Tyrell Hatton is among several elite golfers playing this week at the DP World Tour's Dubai Desert Classic. He was joined by Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tommy Fleetwood, among others in the field. Thus far, the conditions have beaten down many of the world's best.

Rory McIlroy will need a spectacular weekend to win a third straight Dubai Desert Classic title after slipping nine shots behind halfway leader Ewen Ferguson on Friday, while Jon Rahm missed the cut.