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.

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 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.

McIlroy charged from 10 shots behind last year and will need a repeat performance if he is to win tournament for a third year in a row

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.

There was a time in the not-so distant past when Rory McIlroy praise for Greg Norman felt as realistic a concept as the Open Championship taking place on the moon. In the latest sign of golf’s thawing relations, McIlroy used the aftermath of his opening round at the Dubai Desert Classic to give credit to the outgoing LIV chief executive.

Three-time DP World Tour victor Ewen Ferguson the halfway leader in Dubai after remarkable final hole; defending champion Rory McIlroy nine adrift; watch the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday on Sky Sports Golf,

Hero Dubai Desert Classic tournament director Simon Corkill to discuss Rory McIlroy and the future of the event

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

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.

The return of the most anticipated champions, from Scottie Scheffler to Rory McIlroy, the participation of some of the greats of the sport such as, among others, Pau Gasol, Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Young.

Viktor Hovland is one of the top players in golf, a former FedEx Cup champion, and he still marvels at his 2018 victory in the U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach. “One of my favorites courses in the world, places in the world,” he said.