‘Number 1’ McIlroy "First Debut Victory"... Lead ‘Runner-up’

McIlroy Secures 15th Career Win at Dubai Desert Classic

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) collected the winner's trophy at the first tournament of the new year.

On the 30th (local time), McIlroy finished the final round of the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) Hero Dubai Desert Classic (total prize money $9 million) at the Emirates Golf Club (par 72, 7,428 yards) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), shooting 4-under par to secure a one-stroke victory (19-under par 269). This marked his 15th DP World Tour win, his first in four years since winning the World Golf Championships (WGC) HSBC Champions in March 2019, with a winner's prize of $1.53 million (approximately 1.88 billion KRW).

Rory McIlroy is cheering after securing victory on the final day of the Dubai Desert Classic. Dubai=AP·Yonhap News

Starting with a three-stroke lead, McIlroy racked up five birdies and one bogey. After maintaining par for eight holes, he gained momentum with consecutive birdies on the 9th and 10th holes. Although he lost a birdie on the 13th hole (par 5) due to a bogey on the 15th hole (par 3), he showcased a powerful finish with back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to secure the win. His precise iron shots, with a greens in regulation rate of 72.2%, and an impressive scrambling ability of 80%?scoring par or better even when missing the green?stood out.

McIlroy also claimed his first victory in the Rolex Series, a major-level event on the DP World Tour. This was his third win at this tournament; he previously won in 2009 and 2015, although it was not part of the Rolex Series at that time. Solidifying his No. 1 ranking with this win, McIlroy said, "I want to enjoy this moment," and cheered, "I'm so happy to win after going through a tough process." He added with a smile, "It's a good start to the year. I think I can do well this season too."

Patrick Reed (USA), who had a tense exchange with McIlroy before the tournament, fired a 7-under par round to chase but settled for second place (18-under par 270). LIV Golf member Ian Poulter (England) tied for 6th place (13-under par 275), Henrik Stenson (Sweden) tied for 8th (12-under par 276), and Minwoo Lee (Australia) tied for 13th (11-under par 277).

Amateur Michael Torbjonsen (USA) finished tied for 20th (9-under par 279) without improving his score. Viktor Perez (France), last week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner, struggled with a 3-over par and dropped to a tie for 28th (8-under par 280). Among Korean players, Wang Jeonghun was the only participant and also finished tied for 28th.