Patrick Reed revealed he was a little nervous on the first tee before storming into the lead at the Dubai Desert Classic.

The American shot a five-under 67, which included seven birdies and two bogeys, to move to 14 under par ahead of the final round.

He holds a four-shot lead over Spain’s David Puig, while Europe Ryder Cup winner Viktor Hovland is a shot behind after carding a bogey-free seven-under 65 on Saturday.

Reed dropped a shot at the first, but put that down to nerves as he bounced back in style, even chipping in from the green for a birdie on the ninth.

"I felt a little nervous on that first tee and messed up at that hole but after that got into the mode of trying to hit quality golf shots and take every shot on," Reed told Sky Sports.

"The swing felt really good once I got midway through the front nine and that gave me all the confidence in the world to go out and attack this place and get the momentum going in the back nine.

"The biggest thing for me now is to get a win at a place I absolutely love coming to. Hopefully I can play some solid golf and close it out."

A runner-up three years ago and a top 10 last year. What will it be tomorrow for Patrick Reed?#HeroDubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/tSWFVCjw7Q

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 24, 2026

Rory McIlroy fell out of contention after his 71 in the third round left him T27 on three under, while defending champion Tyrell Hatton is two shots further back.

Tommy Fleetwood’s disappointing display continued, as he carded a 73 to leave him on two over and outside the top 60.