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Rory McIlroy claims victory over old rival Patrick Reed with perfect start to the year

31Jan

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Golf

Rory McIlroy claims victory over old rival Patrick Reed with perfect start to the year

An ‘ecstatic’ Rory McIlroy enjoyed the perfect start to the year after holding off ‘tee-gate’ rival Patrick Reed to win a third Dubai Desert Classic. McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot clear of American Reed on 19 under par. Playing in the group ahead, Reed had also birdied the 18th to complete a superb 65 and set the clubhouse target, but McIlroy was not to be denied and holed from 15 feet on the last. McIlroy, who had never previously won on his first start of the calendar year, said: ‘I just managed my game so well and played really smart. ‘Just ecstatic I gave myself an opportunity the first week back out and there’s tonnes of room for improvement but it’s a great start to the year. McIlroy and Reed had begun the week e...

Dubai Desert Classic: Rory McIlroy takes three-shot lead into final round despite closing bogey

Rory McIlroy holds a three-shot lead over Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury in Dubai, with Patrick Reed and Ian Poulter four strokes back. Rory McIlroy produced two brilliant birdie runs to help take a commanding three-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The world No 1, looking to win the event for the third time and make a winning start to 2023, charged up the leaderboard with a brilliant third-round 65 at Emirates Golf Club. McIlroy birdied each of his first four holes and added four more in a five-hole stretch on his back nine, with his only blemish coming when he found water with his approach into the par-five last on his way to a closing bogey. The 33-year-old sits on 15 under and three clear of English duo Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury, McIlro...

DP World Tour clarifies rules after Patrick Reed penalty drop controversy

The DP World Tour has been forced to issue a statement clarifying a rules scenario involving Patrick Reed after the American’s propensity to court controversy again became apparent at the Dubai Desert Classic. Reed took a penalty drop on the 17th hole of his third round after identifying his ball by specific markings when lodged up a tree. Without that identification, Reed would have had to return to the tee to play his third shot. Social media burst into life when video footage emerged which appeared to show Reed’s ball landing in a different tree to the one he took the drop beside. Reed said after his round that he was “100%” sure he had seen his own ball, with the assistance of binoculars. “I would have gone back to the tee if I was not 100%.” He escaped with a bogey five en route to ...