DP World Tour: Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed to claim Hero Dubai Desert Classic victory | Golf News

Rory McIlroy birdied his final two holes to beat Patrick Reed by a shot and make a winning start to 2023; world No 1’s victory makes him a three-time winner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy secured a third Hero Dubai Desert Classic title

Rory McIlroy came through an enthralling final-round tussle with rival Patrick Reed to claim a dramatic victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and make a winning start to 2023.

The world No 1 took a three-shot lead into the final round of the Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club, only for LIV Golf member Reed – who was involved in a pre-tournament dispute with McIlroy – to jump ahead by making an eagle and five birdies in his first 13 holes.

McIlroy made three birdies in a five-hole stretch from the ninth but bogeyed the 15th, while a dropped shot from Reed at the par-four next raised the possibility of a mouth-watering play-off between the pair.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Patrick Reed moved to -14 at the Dubai Desert Classic, one behind McIlroy, as he chipped in a brilliant shot from the bunker on the sixth hole

Reed – playing in the group ahead of the Northern Irishman – birdied the last to close a seven-under 65 and set the clubhouse target at 18 under, but McIlroy produced a birdie-birdie finish to complete a final-round 68 and snatch a one-shot victory.

McIlroy’s success marks the first time he has won his opening start of a calendar year and also sees him join Ernie Els as a three-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, with his latest triumph extending his advantage at the top of the world rankings.

More to follow…

This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

Sky Sports brings you live updates as they happen. Get breaking sports news, analysis, exclusive interviews, replays and highlights.

Sky Sports is your trusted source for breaking sports news headlines and live updates. Watch live coverage of your favourite sports: Football, F1, Boxing, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Rugby League, Rugby Union, NFL, Darts, Netball and get the latest transfers news, results, scores and more.

Visit skysports.com or the Sky Sports App for all the breaking sports news headlines. You can receive push notifications from the Sky Sports app for the latest news from your favourite sports and you can also follow @SkySportsNews on Twitter to get the latest updates.