McIlroy wins again in Dubai after thrilling Monday finish
Emirates Golf Club once again played host to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which was part of the Rolex Series for the second year.
Rory McIlroy arrived as the World Number One and he showed his championship-winning qualities to lift the iconic Dallah trophy for the third time in his career as the tournament witnessed the first Monday finish in its 34-year history.
After the opening two rounds were affected by heavy rain, the four-time Major winner turned a two-shot deficit at the halfway stage into a three-shot lead after the third round.
But he was pushed all the way on the fifth and final day’s play over the Majlis Course by Patrick Reed, before ending a toe-to-toe battle with a closing birdie at the 72nd hole to clinch a memorable one-shot victory.
It was the first time McIlroy had won his opening event of the year and took his tally of DP World Tour wins to 15 at the scene of his first as he claimed his long-awaited maiden Rolex Series title.
“I feel like I showed a lot of mental strength out there today, something to really build on for the rest of the year,” he said.
What a play!! and what a match!!