Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry in the hunt after 54 holes in Dubai

Rory McIlroy bounced back in Saturday's third round at Dubai Creek Resort.

After a rough second round that dropped him from the top of the leaderboard, Rory McIlroy bounced back during Saturday's third round of the Dubai Invitational and sits just three shots off the lead heading into the final round of play at Dubai Creek Resort.

McIlroy, who is tinkering with new irons and a new golf ball this week, shot a 74 during Friday's second round, but responded with a 68 on Saturday that has him at 5 under for the tournament. Spaniard Nacho Elvira leads at 8 under while three players, including Shane Lowry, sit two shots back at 6 under.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 17: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland on the 18th green on Day Three of the Dubai Invitational 2026 at Dubai Creek Resort on January 17, 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

The No. 2 player in the world had a single blip on his scorecard on the fourth hole, where he made bogey, but otherwise had four birdies. He's especially preferred the back nine, where he has 10 birdies in 27 holes through three rounds.

"I have always loved coming out here to the Middle East and to Dubai and playing in these tournaments, even as an amateur. I have been coming here for over 20 years and it's a place I'm comfortable in."

Lowry, meanwhile, had a short putt on 18 for birdie and looked like he could pull within a single shot of the lead heading into the final round, but his putt lipped out.

He now sits tied with Marcus Armitage and Dylan Frittelli for second.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy close to lead at Dubai Invitational

Category: General Sports