Big Names Within Striking Distance in Abu Dhabi

Many of the stars on the PGA tour who made the trek to Abu Dhabi for this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship are right where they were expected to be; lurking within striking distance heading into the final round of the tournament.  With that being said, there are also some surprising names that have an opportunity to take home the trophy, including Robert Rock who is currently tied for first place at 11 under par.  The man with whom he is tied is looking for his first victory since 2009; that man is Tiger Woods.

Woods has looked confident as he strides around the luxurious course in the United Arab Emirates.  It seems as if the confidence that was so evident at the height of his success, but which has been absent for the better part of 2 years, has returned.  The intensity is back in his eyes and you can tell he is actually expecting to play well once again.

Including the leaders, there are 14 players within 4 shots of the lead.  That group consists of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Peter Hanson, Francesco Molinari and Paul Lawrie who are currently tied for 3^rd and two shots back at 9 under par and Thomas Bjorn and Graeme McDowell who are tied for 11^th and are 4 shots back at 7 under.

Woods and Rock will be joined in the final threesome tomorrow by Hanson, while the second to last group will be Molinari, Lawrie and McIlroy.  It’s going to be interesting to see what the reaction by the leaders will be if someone in one of the last few groups strings together a few birdies and puts some pressure on them early.  Will Woods’ confidence continue or will it crack under the bright Abu Dhabi sky?  A second – round 72 is what is keeping McIlroy from being even closer to the top of leader board, as he shot a first round 67 and a 3^rd round 68; so it’s clear that he is capable of going low and making a move.  Peter Hanson currently has the low round of the tournament thanks to his 3^rd round 64.

With so many people within a few shots of the lead and with their scorecards being indicative of the fact that there are still some good scores left out on the course, the final round of the tournament has the possibility to be incredibly entertaining.