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
Rory McIlroy with the big stick on the par four ninth, it’s 488 yards...
A baby fade and that one is bombed down and in the middle of the fairway, position A you could say for the leader.
Latest Dubai Desert Classic odds
Via Betfair
Rory McIlroy 4/9
Patrick Reed 4/1
Lucas Herbert 17/2
Ian Poulter 12/1
Rory McIlroy’s birdie wait goes on - Dubai Desert Classic
Rory McIlroy’s biride try on eight is short, it’s another PAR.
Eight consecutive, he’s only gone through the front nine five times in his career here without a birdie or better.
Three of those have come in the final round.
Reed’s second from 196 yards on nine is horrid, in the thicker stuff and over the water, he’ll need to show immense strength to get through this and not avoid a lengthy run off.
Rory McIlroy carves out birdie chance - Dubai Desert Classic
McIlroy with a stunning iron into eight, he’ll have about 10 feet to move to -16.
Oooh, nasty for Reed on nine and the 488-yard par four, it bleeds into the right rough just shy of the bunker, “God damn,” cries the American.
Look out for Lucas Herbert on the 11th with a birdie chip maybe from the fringe, he’s in a tie with Poulter for third and two back at -13.
Poulter lets a birdie try on the 9th drift by, a tester for par to stay two back, maybe eight feet.
Rory McIlroy chased by LIV Golf stars Patrick Reed and Ian Poulter at Dubai Desert Classic
Patrick Reed short game helps close to within one shot of Rory McIlroy - Dubai Desert Classic
If Reed is to win, then it will be his short game that takes him to and beyond McIlroy.
Delightful hands on display in the Middle East already this morning.
Patrick Reed leads charge to close in on Rory McIlroy - Dubai Desert Classic
Reed is the lowest of the chasing pack in the fourth round and currently -3, with Min Woo Lee and Matthew Jordan also -3 but out of contention and five back at -10.
Rory McIlroy with birdie look on seven - Dubai Desert Classic
Rory McIlroy is gently moving towards the back nine at PAR.
The Northern Irishman has an outside chance for birdie on the Par 3, 7th.
He’s pin high and will eye up birdie and a two-shot lead from 30 feet away.
Rory McIlroy chased down by Patrick Reed in Dubai
Good morning and welcome to Independent Sport’s coverage of the final round in the Dubai Desert Classic.
Rory McIlroy is being chased down by golf’s villain Patrick Reed and has a one-shot lead.
Follow for live updates.
Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard: Rory McIlroy leads the way
Follow all the latest scores and leaderboard moves as McIlroy tries to clinch victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.
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