Nicolai Højgaard Surges to Three-Shot Lead at DP World Tour Championship, Dominates Earth Course Yet Again
Dubai, Nov 14 (TheTrendingPeople) — Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard delivered another stunning performance at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Friday, storming to a three-shot lead at the halfway mark of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship. The World No. 16 showcased why the Earth Course remains one of his favourite hunting grounds, carding a flawless seven-under 65, the lowest round of the tournament so far.
Competing at the iconic venue for the third time, Højgaard’s history in Dubai has been exceptional — with a fourth-place finish in 2021 and a title win in 2023. His second-round masterclass reaffirmed his dominance on a course he says “suits his eye better than any other.”
A Near-Perfect Round From Tee to Green
Starting the day three shots behind leader Michael Kim, Højgaard wasted no time cutting the deficit. An opening birdie followed by a near-perfect approach at the par-five second set up a four-foot eagle putt — the moment that thrust the Dane into early contention.
From there, the 23-year-old remained in complete control, collecting five birdies, avoiding errors, and navigating tricky pins with patience and precision.
“It’s great to be back — it’s one of my favourite tournaments,” Højgaard said after his round. “I stayed really patient again. There are plenty of chances out there, but it’s also easy to make a silly bogey if you’re too aggressive.”
Calling the Earth Course “a perfect fit” for his strengths in mid-iron play, he added, “I really like it off the tee. It suits my eye. Hopefully we can keep it up.”
Højgaard reached 12-under, stretching his lead when compatriot Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen bogeyed the 18th.
Ryder Cup Stars in the Chasing Pack
The leaderboard behind Højgaard is stacked with Ryder Cup pedigree.
Sitting at nine-under, three shots behind, are:
- Justin Rose
- Shane Lowry
- Rory McIlroy (defending champion)
- Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
- Daniel Hillier
Rose delivered fireworks with a 65-foot birdie putt at the sixth en route to a smooth 67. Lowry, equally sharp, produced five birdies to stay in the hunt. McIlroy quietly climbed the board with a clean 68, keeping his title defense alive heading into the weekend.
New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier carded a 69, while Fleetwood, Canter, Robert MacIntyre, and Alex Noren sit a shot further back at eight-under, still within striking distance.
The Battle Ahead
With just 36 holes left and a star-studded pack closing in, the weekend promises high drama. Højgaard, though, remains the man to beat. His calm, strategic approach — especially across the risk-reward finishing stretch — will be crucial as pressure mounts.
If the Dane maintains his rhythm, he could be poised to join an elite group of multi-time DP World Tour Championship winners.
But with McIlroy, Lowry, Rose, and Fleetwood lurking, no lead is ever safe in Dubai.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Nicolai Højgaard’s affinity for the Earth Course is undeniable, and his flawless 65 has set the tone for an electrifying weekend. While the spotlight is firmly on the young Dane, the chasing pack boasts some of golf’s biggest names — ensuring the final two rounds deliver world-class competition. The stage is set, and Dubai is ready for a blockbuster finish.