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 crouching down, a birdie try on 11...
This 10-15 feet putt dribbles downhill to the hole, then burns the edge. CLOSE!
We’re still level.
Nobody willing to bridge the three-shot gap to our leaders.
Dubai Desert Classic final round
Reed’s drive on 12 is not good, the pose is familiar, that sawn off follow-through that earned him a green jacket.
But this one doesn’t fade, it’s in the sandy desert patch out left.
Advantage McIlroy just behind...
Dubai Desert Classic final round: Patrick Reed level with Rory McIlroy
Patrick Reed with another birdie, he’s level once more with McIlroy and both open up a three-shot gap to those in third.
Dubai Desert Classic final round: Patrick Reed makes eagle to pull level with McIlroy
Dubai Desert Classic final round
Reed with an eagle look on 10, he couldn’t, could he?
Dubai Desert Classic final round
That’s an absolute stunner from Patrick Reed - after smashing a drive down the fairway at the par-5 10th, he almost lands the albatross! He’ll have a shot at the eagle, which if he sinks it would put him level with McIlroy atop the leaderboard
Dubai Desert Classic final round
McIlroy drains the birdie, a two-shot lead.
That’s huge.
Dubai Desert Classic final round
Poulter from 240 and on the green in two at the 10th, huge chance to make a leap.
An eagle would bring him to a tie for the lead.
Dubai Desert Classic final round
169 yards for McIlroy on the ninth... an eight iron only.
He likes it, pin high and maybe eight feet... A glorious chance to carve out daylight and seize momentum back.
A perfect approach, the safe side of the hole too. Patience key here, he can’t let Reed catch him and go past him in the manner Cameron Smith did at the Open last year.
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