Rory McIlroy has won the Dubai Desert Classic after getting into a tussle with Patrick Reed in the last round. McIlroy managed to birdie the final two holes, shooting a four-under 68 and finishing 19 under par.
The Northern Irishman had led overnight but that was wiped out by Reed during the first 11 holes.
McIlroy responded by scoring three birdies, drawing back level.
The game was delayed by heavy rains and a fifth day was needed and the tournament did not finish until Monday. In the end, McIlroy held off Reed.
Referring to his rivalry with Reed, McIlroy said: “Mentally it was very tough.”
“I felt like I could have let my emotions get in the way of what I was trying to do because of who was up there on the leaderboard,” he added.
“I expended a lot of mental energy just trying to focus on myself.”
“I’m going to enjoy this. This is probably sweeter than it should be or needs to be.”
This is just the latest incident in an ongoing rivalry between the two. It intensified earlier in the week when McIlroy ignored Reed in the driving range. The LIV Golf Series player responded by flicking a LIV Golf Series tee in his direction.
McIlroy later explained his behavior toward Reed.
“I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve,” he said.
The tension set the tone for the week and many fans were hoping to see McIlroy and Reed paired at one point. This happened on the final day.
