The pressure is mounting in Abu Dhabi, and Bernd Wiesberger has lost ground at the start of the crucial playoffs – a setback that will demand a response from him this weekend as the Race to Dubai Playoffs really heat up. Although he has slipped from second to a tie for eighth, the Austrian is still within striking distance at 10-under par, just two strokes behind the leaders.
Currently, Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm, and Francesco Laporta share the lead at a strong 12-under par after two rounds. Laporta got things going with an incredible round of 62, while Hatton and Rahm caught up with equally solid performances. But the real standout was Rory McIlroy, who, after a bumpy start, posted an 11-birdie, 9-under 63 and is suddenly just one shot off the lead – and that's after receiving a two-stroke penalty on Thursday for an alleged improvement of his lie. Now that's what we call comeback quality!
Wiesberger Under Pressure
Wiesberger posted a stellar round of 65 on Thursday but couldn't quite maintain that momentum on Friday with a 3-under 69. His total stands at 134 strokes, and he now needs to deliver. This tournament isn't just another quest for the title; it's the first of two DP World Tour Playoff events. Of the original 70 players who started, only the top 50 will advance to the final after this week. Wiesberger's performance is therefore crucial, not only for tournament success but also for his ambitions for a dual PGA Tour Card for 2027.
Every Shot Counts
With seven players within one stroke and nine within two strokes, the leaderboard is incredibly close. The weekend promises to be a real thriller. For Wiesberger, this means: now it's time to unleash his fighting spirit and make every shot count. The task is clear: he must capitalize on his strong starting position while keeping pace with a top-tier field featuring talents like Hatton, Rahm, and Laporta. This is the golf we want to see!
