Rory McIlroy overcame a final-round cost from Patrick Reed to win the Dubai Desert Basic in a tense Monday duel between gamers who had been concerned in a pre-tournament spat.
World no. 1 McIlroy rolled in a birdie putt from round 15 toes at No. 18 for a 4-under 68 that left him a stroke away from Reed, who shot 65.
McIlroy captured the title for the third time and has began a 12 months with a win for the primary time in his profession.
“It was a battle all day. Actually it has been a battle all week. I actually really feel like I have not had my greatest all week however I managed my recreation and performed actually sensible,” McIlroy mentioned.
“I managed my recreation nicely, plenty of room for enhancements… Mentally, as we speak, it was in all probability one of many hardest rounds I’ve ever needed to play as a result of it could have been very easy to let your feelings get in the way in which.
“I’ll take pleasure in this. That is in all probability sweeter than it needs to be or must be… A extremely good basis for the 12 months.”
The Northern Irishman began the spherical with a three-shot lead — and 4 forward of Reed — however was overtaken on the again 9 by the American, who picked up seven photographs in his first 13 holes.
Reed bogeyed No. 16 however made birdie at No. 18 to place strain on McIlroy, who completed on 19 below total.
The pair traded verbal blows Wednesday after an interplay — of types — on the apply vary Tuesday that noticed McIlroy snub Reed, who had gone over to want the Northern Irishman a cheerful new 12 months.
Reed walked away earlier than evenly tossing a tee — that includes a brand of his 4 Aces crew within the LIV Golf league — within the course of McIlroy, probably the most vocal critics of the Saudi-run breakaway collection.
Reed mentioned it was “unlucky” that McIlroy did not shake his hand and was quoted as describing McIlroy as “an immature little baby.”
