Rory McIlroy beats Patrick Reed to win Dubai Desert Classic title in thrilling final round leaderboard
Rory McIlroy birdied the final two holes to pip Patrick Reed by a single stroke on the final day to take the trophy
Rory McIlroy overcame a final-round charge from Patrick Reed to win the Dubai Desert Classic in a tense Monday duel between players who were involved in a pre-tournament spat.
The top-ranked McIlroy rolled in a birdie putt from around 15 feet at the 18th for a four-under round of 68 that left him a stroke clear of Reed, who shot 65. McIlroy captured the title for the third time and has started a year with a win for the first time in his career.
The Northern Irishman started the round with a three-shot lead — and four ahead of Reed — but was overtaken on the back nine by the American, who picked up seven shots in his first 13 holes. Reed bogeyed the 16th but made birdie at 18 to put pressure on McIlroy, who finished on 19-under overall.
The pair had traded verbal blows on Wednesday after an interaction — of sorts — at the practice range Tuesday that saw McIlroy snub Reed. Reed walked away before tossing a tee — featuring a logo of his 4 Aces team in the LIV Golf league — in the direction of McIlroy, one of the most vocal critics of the Saudi-run breakaway series. Reed said it was “unfortunate” that McIlroy didn’t shake his hand and was quoted as describing McIlroy as “an immature little child.”
Relive a thrilling final day as McIlroy clinched victory at the Dubai Desert Classic:
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -18 (17), Reed -18 (F)
Patrick Reed is indeed safely in for his birdie. He’s in the clubhouse at -18 after a superb final round of 65. A great Monday for the LIV Golf representative.
It’s over to McIlroy now. Par takes us to a play-off but if the Northern Irishman can find a birdie, he’ll win by one.
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -18 (17), Reed -17 (17)
While McIlroy contemplates his shot from the fringe of the water, up ahead Reed is looking at his 35-foot eagle putt.
Good pace but it’s never on line, he had to tickle it down there and does a decent job. A fairly simple three-footer for birdie. And that would put him back level with McIlroy on -18.
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -18 (17), Reed -17 (17)
Final group now teeing off on 18. Callum Shinkwin leathers a driver straight down the fairway as he looks to move ahead of Julien Brun from T4 into fourth on his own.
McIlroy also with driver: “Sit! Oh my goodness, sit!” barks a visibly concerned McIlroy. The ball is heading towards the water hazard but mercifully comes up just short of the water. Another couple of rolls and it was wet...
The fringe grass saved it - it’s dry but not necessarily a nice shot into the green. That could have been far, far worse. He’s got away with one.
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -18 (17), Reed -17 (17)
Reed has 231 yards to the pin from the middle of the 18th fairway. Looks like he’s playing a utility club and it’s a glorious strike. Right over the flagstick and nestles towards the back edge of the green.
A 35-foot eagle putt coming up, with two needed for a birdie that would move him back level with McIlroy. Inspired stuff by the American.
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -18 (17), Reed -17 (17)
Bit of a disaster for Ian Poulter at 18 as he can only double bogey after finding the water. It means he slips from -15 to -13 and from fourth to T6 as it stands. His struggles have also slowed down the Reed and McIlroy groups behind him.
Reed waiting to play his second into the green from the middle of the fairway, while McIlroy is ready on the tee.
Poulter’s playing partner Angel Hidalgo safely in for par and ends the tournament on -12 and T8. Good week for the unheralded Spaniard
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -18 (17), Reed -17 (17)
IT’S THERE! No problem with the birdie putt for McIlroy and he moves to -18, one stroke ahead of Reed as he heads to 18. Great stuff!
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -17 (16), Reed -17 (17)
Ok McIlroy, a nice lag putt here for a tap-in birdie would be ideal. It’s probably about 80 feet from the front fringe.
He sets it on its way, looks a little short of pace... Not too bad, probably just inside five feet - a knee knocker for birdie upcoming
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -17 (16), Reed -17 (17)
Patrick Reed has eagled and birdied the 18th already this week. It’s a par five remember.
He has a bit of a wait while Ian Poulter scrambles his way out of the rough up ahead but finally gets to strike his shot. Poulter found the water with his third shot, incidentally, his hold on fourth position is faltering
It’s a beauty. Crunches the drive down the middle of the fairway, A1 position for Reed - prime location to find the green in two and give himself an eagle look...
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -17 (16), Reed -17 (17)
We’re set up for a thrilling finale in Dubai.
Dubai Desert Classic final round: McIlroy -17 (16), Reed -17 (17)
McIlroy has driver in hand and is going for this 17th green from the tee. Massive moment here...
Beautiful ball flight and it’s right on line, bounces just before the green and rolls into the front fringe. Superb shot from the Northern Irishman - it’s advantage McIlroy now. He can two-putt for biride.
Over to you at 18, Patrick...
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