Rory McIlroy stages an incredible comeback to win the Dubai Desert Classic for a record FOURTH time – as he capitalises on scrappy play from Cameron Young and Adrian Meronk to triumph by one shot
- Rory McIlroy defended his title as he won a fourth Dubai Desert Classic
- McIlroy made a significant recovery to defeat Cameron Young
Rory McIlroy completed the best weekend comeback of his career by successfully defending his title and winning a record fourth Dubai Desert Classic.
The Northern Irishman’s previous biggest recovery, with two rounds to go, was from five shots in the 2015 BMW PGA Championship, but after starting round three ten adrift he secured a one-stroke victory over a of his favorite courses at Emirates Golf Club.
Saturday’s 63 had catapulted him into contention, but there were far fewer fireworks in his final round and while McIlroy escaped with some loose shots over his final few holes, rivals Cameron Young and Adrian Meronk were also guilty of sloppy play and could they do not perform any action. meaningful pressure.
“I didn’t really think about that (the comeback) during the round,” McIlroy, who shot 71 under par to finish 14 under, told Sky Sports.
“I thought given the trend of the course, two 67s would really have a chance and the 63 put me in a great position.
Rory McIlroy won the Dubai Desert Classic for the fourth time by beating Cameron Young
Young started the day with a two-stroke lead, but eventually fell behind McIlroy
“I thought Friday night at 10 under for the weekend that I would have a really good chance and I shot 11 under and won by one.
“It was a very difficult day, it was difficult to get close and make a lot of birdies. The crucial moment came on eight and nine, when I made two threes.’
McIlroy, who has now claimed a win and a second place in his first two starts of the season, added: “It wasn’t one of those days where there were a lot of fireworks, but I held on as best I could and Luckily not. one at the top of the leaderboard made a run.
“I made that one blunder on 13 and made a bogey, but felt like I steadied the ship well over the last few holes.”
Gary Lineker congratulated McIlroy on his achievement. He wrote on X: ‘Another win for the great @McIlroyRory. Beautiful’.
McIlroy has now won the Dubai Desert Classic more than any other event of his career
Adrian Meronk was also in contention, but McIlroy managed to secure the glory