Timely return to form in Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Joost Luiten is on a roll this time. Halfway through the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club (4-7 February), the Dutchman was in 5th place on 8-under par, just two off the pace set by Spaniard, Rafa Cabrera-Bello. South Africans, “The Big Easy” Ernie Els and the lesser-known Trevor Fisher Junior, along with Englishman Danny Willett were sandwiched between them in a tie for second place on 9-under.
The Emirates Golf Club is familiar territory for 31-year old Rafa from Gran Canaria. He won here in 2012. Joost is wisely keeping him in his sights. Whilst ‘moving day’ today has seen a few casualties, like Ernie Els who moved dramatically down the leaderboard after a black run of four bogeys and a double bogey, the player from Rotterdam, is making all the right moves. Since opening with a 69, two more than Rafa on day one, he has since matched the Spaniard’s scores for every round: 67-67.
Joost got off to a blistering start today. He was 4-under after five holes and even though he did not have the bogey-free round that he was hoping for, he made up for his two dropped shots with seven birdies including two timely birdies at the 13th and 14th.
It might unlucky for some, but at 13-under par Joost is looking in good shape in 4th place. It’s a particularly well-spread leaderboard with Danny Willett now at the top after shooting two consecutive rounds of 65 to get to 16-under for the tournament. The Englishman has a one-stroke lead. Hot on his heels are Cabrera-Bello (-15); Andy Sullivan (-14); Luiten (-13); and Haydn Porteous (-12).
Joost’s form has been showing signs of peaking for a few weeks now. He has got himself into contention in each of his last three events. Perhaps a combination of a good winter rest, his new caddy (nickname: “Sponge”), the sunny climate or perhaps it’s his new bearded-look. Will be it third time lucky for the 30-year old from Rotterdam? One thing is for sure, he’ll have a smiley playing partner for the final round in “Spaceman” Andy Sullivan. And back in Holland, former Tour player Robert-Jan Derksen, winner of the Dubai Desert Classic in 2013, will be cheering him on from behind his microphone as golf commentator for Ziggo Sport television tomorrow.
Wendy Hoad