Both Nicolai Hojgaard and Rory McIlroy pointed to their patience as a key reason for their strong opening rounds at the DP World Tour Championship.

Hojgaard leads the way after the second round on 12-under, while reigning champion McIlroy is three shots back and level with Daniel Hillier, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry.

The clubhouse leader carded an eagle and five birdies during a bogey-free 65 in the second round, with McIlroy falling slightly behind after he registered six birdies and three bogeys at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

McIlroy was visibly frustrated on the final hole after struggling to get out of the rough, but he was able to regain his composure.

“I had to battle a little more today than I did yesterday. If you looked at the scoring yesterday compared to today, it is a little bit tougher,” said McIlroy.

“I missed a couple more fairways today. And when I did miss the fairways, I got some really bad lies, like the worst lies I've seen this week.

“I felt like I showed my scoring skills today, battled well, stayed patient, and got the ball up-and-down when I needed to.”

Nicolai Højgaard's only 36-hole lead on the DP World Tour came at the 2023 DP World Tour Championship, which he won.

Two years on, he leads after 36 holes at the Earth Course. #DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/jJGWyhgWXC

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 14, 2025

Hojgaard, who won the competition in 2023, added: “It's one of my favourite tournaments and favourite courses to play.

“It's good to be back this year in a little bit of form. Just happy to be here.

“I know there's plenty of chances out there. It's easy to make a silly bogey out of being a little bit too aggressive, so trying to navigate my way out there a little bit.

“Staying patient has probably been the highlight so far.”