Rory McIlroy edges past Patrick Reed to win 2023 Dubai Desert Classic

Modified Jan 30, 2023 13:15 GMT

Rory McIlroy - Hero Dubai Desert Classic - Day Five

Rory McIlroy won the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The golfer played an enthralling final round and came out on top against rival Patrick Reed to claim a dramatic victory at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

The World No. 1 clinched the Rolex Series event and started his 2023 schedule with a win. The Irish golfer rolled in a birdie putt from around 15 feet at No. 18 to finish at 4-under 68. The final shot saw him go one stroke clear of Reed, who shot 65.

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McIlroy bagged the $1,530,000 prize money that comes along with the Dubai Desert Classic win. Apart from this, the Irish golfer also gets approximately 25.9 Official World Golf Ranking points, 1,335 DP World Tour points, and a two-plus season exemption on the European Tour. The win will be tastier for McIlroy as it comes amid a dispute with rival LIV Golf member Reed.

Rory McIlroy on winning the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy came out on top in a tense Monday duel with Patrick Reed. The PGA Tour star overcame a final-round charge from his rival to clinch the Dubai Desert Classic. Addressing this, the golfer said that he managed to ‘play really smart’ for the win.

Speaking after capturing the Dubai Desert Classic title for the third time in Dubai, Rory McIlroy said:

"It was a battle all day. Honestly, it has been a battle all week. I really feel like I haven't had my best all week but I managed my game and played really smart… I managed my game well, lots of room for improvements... Mentally, today, it was probably one of the toughest rounds I've ever had to play because it would have been really easy to let your emotions get in the way.”

The Irishman further stated that he was going to enjoy the win.

He said: