McIlroy wins fourth Dubai Desert Classic title

DUBAI — Rory McIlroy won a record fourth Dubai Desert Classic title on Sunday by one shot after storming back from a 10-shot deficit going into the weekend at the Emirates Golf Club.

McIlroy made two massive birdie putts towards the end of the front nine — a 31-footer on the par-4 eighth, followed by a 16-footer on the ninth — to move to 15-under par and lead by three shots.

At the same time his playing partner and overnight leader American Cameron Young struggled and made the turn at two-over with two bogeys. On the back nine, McIlroy made a bogey on the par-513th and could not add another birdie, but that was enough for a winning total of 14-under par 274.

The 34-year-old has started the defence of his Race to Dubai Rankings with a runner-up finish and a win as he looks to become Europe’s Number One for a sixth time, moving to the top of the rankings for the 2024 title and the International Swing. “It’s a great start to the season,” he said.

“I started well last year with the win here. A couple of little things still to work on but these weeks are great. You learn a ton from them and obviously great to get the competition and come out on top as well.”