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...
