Tyrrell Hatton Secures Dubai Desert Classic Title, McIlroy Finishes Fourth

Dubai, Jan 19 (NationPress) Tyrrell Hatton kept a close watch on the scoreboard and managed to secure a record-equalling fifth Rolex Series title at the Dubai Desert Classic. He narrowly defeated New Zealander Daniel Hillier (71) by a single shot, employing a cautious strategy on the 18th.

Hatton’s last victory on the DP World Tour was at the third Alfred Dunhill Links title in October 2024, and his previous win in the Middle East was at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Championship.

Finishing at 15-under, Laurie Canter (68) secured third place at 13-under after closing with birdies on the final two holes.

Rory McIlroy, who entered the tournament hoping for a third consecutive victory at the Dubai Desert Classic and a total of five wins at the event, recorded the second-best score of the day at 6-under 66, ending Tied-fourth alongside Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard (66) at 12-under.

This marked McIlroy’s 12th consecutive top-10 finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, dating back to his inaugural win at the event in 2009.

Hatton, starting the final round one stroke behind Hillier, played a tough three-under-par 69 to finish at 15-under at Emirates Golf Club.

With aspirations of making the Ryder Cup team this year, Hatton's victory significantly boosts his chances as he prepares for the LIV season.

“It feels incredible,” said Hatton. “Earlier in the week, I mentioned that this is one of the events that you would want on your resume. It's such an iconic event for the DP World Tour.

“To have my name alongside the remarkable champions that have come before me, and to see my name on that trophy now, is a dream realized.

“I won’t lie, I was quite nervous on the back nine, to be honest. I may have wanted it a bit too much.

“I was aware of my position, and it got a bit messy down the last stretch. But to see that putt go in was an amazing feeling. I’m just so thrilled to win.”

Hatton tied with a birdie on the second after a fortunate bounce from the left rough that placed his tee shot on the green, allowing him to two-putt.

Hillier regained the lead with a tap-in birdie at the par-five hole that followed after Hatton was forced to lay up due to a drive into a bunker.

Hatton surpassed his playing partner at the fifth hole, sinking a four-foot birdie while Hillier bogeyed after a poor chip. This two-shot swing put Hatton in control, and he maintained that lead.

The Englishman extended his advantage to two shots on the sixth with a nine-foot birdie, while Hillier missed a shorter attempt.

A significant break occurred for Hatton when his tee shot came up short at the seventh, rolling toward the water but stopping in the rough just inches from the hazard. Hatton managed to get up-and-down for par.

Both players birdied the long tenth, although Hillier narrowly missed an eagle opportunity. Hillier made a final push by landing his tee shot close at the 11th, and the birdie brought him just one stroke behind Hatton.

Hatton took a major step toward victory with a fantastic wedge approach to the 16th that set up a simple tap-in birdie. Despite experiencing some jitters on the 18th, he played conservatively to the back of the green to avoid the water, leaving him with a 45-foot birdie attempt.

Hillier attempted to reach the green in two but went over the back. However, he made a nine-footer for birdie, which left Hatton with a challenging five-footer that he successfully converted.

Hillier commented, “It’s bittersweet, that’s for sure. I didn’t perform my best today, but I fought hard all day, just barely giving myself a chance towards the end. Hats off to Tyrrell. He was solid down the stretch. He’s a class act.”