DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Nikolaj Hejgaard jumped out to a three-shot lead on Friday, positioning himself for his second win at the season-ending World Tour Championship, but many of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars were well positioned.
The chasing pack also included Rory McIlroy, who shot a superb short game in the second round with a 69, putting him on track to win the Race to Dubai title for the fourth year in a row and becoming Europe’s No. 1 player.
McIlroy tied for second in a group of five that included Justin Rose (67) and Shane Lowry (67). Fellow Ryder Cup players Robert McIntyre, 67, and Tommy Fleetwood, 71, were one stroke further behind, while Tyrrell Hatton, 67, was one stroke back.
They were all looking up at Hoygoat, who was ranked 70th. He did not make the Ryder Cup team this time around, with that honor going to his twin brother, Rasmus, but he has shown a reminder of his abilities on the Earth course this week.
The 24-year-old Dane shot a 65, his lowest round of the day, to back up his opening 67 and take his total for the week to 12 under. Huygo won the tournament in 2023, but missed out on qualifying last year and beat a star-studded field in his return.
The only time he led after 36 holes on the European Tour was at the World Tour Championship two years ago. That was also his final victory.
“This is one of my favorite tournaments to play,” Huygaard said. “I’m glad I’m getting back into shape a little bit. It suits me. It’s using my mid-irons, which is my strength. It’s a really good fit for me.”
McIlroy had a sluggish tee shot by his standards that day, mixing in six birdies and three bogeys, but his wedge play was magical.
“I felt like I showed my scoring skills today, fought well, was patient and was able to get the ball up and down when I needed to,” McIlroy said. “Overall, I was pretty happy with shooting the 69 considering some of the spots I found myself.”
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (67) and Daniel Hillier (68) tied for second alongside McIlroy, Lowry and Rose.
Only Marco Penge and Hatton, who are second and third respectively in the Race to Dubai rankings, can beat McIlroy this week. Penge, 70, enters the tournament in 44th place, 12 strokes off the leader, so Hatton is the only one who can realistically stop the Northern Irishman.
Hatton, who is five behind Heigaard, needs to win and McIlroy needs to do worse than a tie for eighth with another player.
“We start each week to win a tournament,” said Hatton, who plays in the LIV Golf League. “It’s no different than that. If it’s going to happen, I know I need a result to go my way. I’m not thinking too much about it. I’m just trying to play better.”
Fleetwood started the second round in second place, one stroke behind Michael Kim, but had a frustrating day with his putter. He made an eagle on the second par-5, making it a par of 16 and one bogey.
The drop shot ended a remarkable 69-hole run without a bogey, dating back to the 15th hole of the second round in Abu Dhabi last week, when he lost in a playoff to Aaron Rai.
Kim shot a 76 after opening with a 64.
