Best-ever bogey seals Dubai win and top earner tag for Rory
RORY MCILROY won Dubai’s DP World Tour Championship yesterday, overhauling overnight leader Andy Sullivan with four birdies on the back nine to also be crowned Europe’s top money-earner for a third year in four.
McIlroy, pictured, carded a final-round 66 to end with a 21-under aggregate score of 267, having begun the day on 15 under, a shot adrift of England’s Sullivan at the $8 million European Tour’s season finale.
Playing partner Sullivan’s 68 left him on 268, one stroke short despite stretching his advantage early on as McIlroy seized control mid-round with seven birdies in 11 holes.
The four-time major winner could even afford to take a drop on the 17th after finding the water, eventually recovering to make a 40-foot bogey before sealing victory with a 12-inch par putt on the final green.
“It’s probably the longest putt I’ve ever made for a bogey; I don’t think there’s been one that’s come at a better time, so definitely the best bogey of my career,” the Northern Irishman told reporters.
The victory was his fourth of the year and first since May, McIlroy having missed three tournaments including the British Open at St. Andrews after rupturing ankle ligaments while playing soccer in July.
McIlroy’s 12th tour title means the 26year-old also retained the Race to Dubai, formerly known as the Order of Merit and given to Europe’s top money-earner. He was also victorious in 2012 and 2014.
Ahead of play, McIlroy practised his putting until almost the last moment while Sullivan casually waited on the opening tee. But the duo seemed at ease with each other, amiably chatting and joking as they walked the first fairway.
McIlroy took a lead he was not to relinquish on 14, tapping in from two feet for a third birdie in four holes, although a bogey on 17 narrowed his lead to one stroke and gave Sullivan a final chance.
The Englishman’s 20-foot birdie attempt on the 18th, which would have forced at least a play-off, rolled inches wide and McIlroy then took two putts to seal victory by a stroke.
“If I hadn’t won today, I wouldn’t have been too happy,” said McIlroy. “Andy had chances to make a couple of birdies and didn’t quite convert and I was able to just hang on.”
South Africa’s Branden Grace (67) was third on 273, while compatriot Charl Schwartzel (69) was one of six players tied on 275. – Reuters
James “Jbe” Kruger played his way to second place at the Resorts World Manila Masters yesterday after finishing the week on 14-under-par, reports ANA. Natipong Srithong carded a final-round 67 to close out the tournament on 15 under par, which earned the Thai a one-shot victory.