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Tommy Fleetwood wins Dubai Invitational in dramatic finish

Tommy Fleetwood edges Rory McIlroy to win the 2024 Dubai Invitational. (Warren Little/Getty Images)

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Tommy Fleetwood produced a stunning birdie-birdie finish to hold off the challenge of Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence and win the Dubai Invitational.

The Englishman entered the final day at Dubai Creek Resort with a one-shot lead and with McIlroy his nearest challenger, a mouthwatering head-to-head was in store.

While those around him produced fireworks, Fleetwood was a picture of consistency, but he dropped out of the lead for the first time with a bogey on the 16th.

He was still one back on the 18th tee after he and McIlroy both birdied the penultimate hole but as the Northern Irishman found the water and made a bogey, Fleetwood holed from 16 feet for a 67, a 19-under total and a seventh DP World Tour title.

South African Lawrence finished alongside McIlroy at 18 under, two clear of England's Jordan Smith and three ahead of 2018 Open Champion Francesco Molinari.

The victory is Fleetwood's third in the United Arab Emirates after claiming two wins in Abu Dhabi and follows a second-place finish at the 2023 season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

A first win since the 2022 Nedbank Golf Challenge also moves Fleetwood to the top of the International Swing Rankings, to fourth in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and could take him as high as 11th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

"I'm very happy," said Dubai resident Fleetwood. "It was amazing winning. Like almost everybody else in the world of golf, I don't win anywhere near as much as I would like to but just that winning feeling is great.

"This is obviously where I live and have a lot of support. It's great to kick off the year with a great result and push on from here.

"I feel like I've been saying for a long time that I've been doing a lot of really great things. I have amazing people that I'm working with, win, lose or draw today. Next week will be the same. We just crack on and we keep pushing forward and hopefully keep moving in the right direction.

"I was very happy with the way I played today for the large majority of the round, felt like I didn't hole some of the putts that I wanted to.

"I just stayed patient and kept playing. I knew I was playing very, very well, and even the last two holes, played 17 and 18 great."

Fleetwood and McIlroy both got up and down from the sand for a birdie on the driveable par-4 third and while they missed out on the gettable next, Fleetwood hit a stunning tee shot to 6 feet at the fifth, with McIlroy also making a gain from twice that distance.

Fleetwood led by two after McIlroy found water on the sixth and a stunning bunker shot on the par-5 10th kept the leader ticking over but two birdies after the turn moved Lawrence into contention.

The 27-year-old had driven up to the front of the third, was able to get up and down and then made a two-putt gain on the fourth before putting an approach to 11 feet at the sixth.

A smart up-and-down brought another birdie on the 10th and a 10-footer on the 12th meant he was two back and we had a three-horse race.

McIlroy then launched a booming drive down the 11th and put his second to 3 feet to get back within two before holing from 30 feet on the 12th to sit in solo second.

Lawrence holed from 32 feet on the 14th to join the four-time major champion at 17-under but McIlroy birdied the 13th after a smart lay-up to join the lead, only to three-putt the 14th from 2 feet and leave Fleetwood alone at the summit.

McIlroy bounced straight back from 20 feet at the 15th and with Lawrence hitting a stunner into the 17th and holing from 9 feet, there was a three-way tie.

Lawrence parred the last to sign for a 64 and set the target at 18-under, with Fleetwood dropping out of the lead for the first time all day when he failed to get up and down on the 16th.

A stunning approach from McIlroy to 5 feet at the 17th piled on the pressure but Fleetwood holed from 30 feet and two birdies set the scene for late drama and a two-shot swing on the last.

Smith made an eagle and four birdies in his 66, while Italian Molinari looked back to his best, starting his round with four birdies and adding another five on the back nine in a 63.

American Sean Crocker and in-form South African Zander Lombard finished at 14-under, two shots clear of Dane Thorbjørn Olesen and German Yannik Paul.

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The DP World Tour Championship is back!

Dp world tour championship 2021.

The DP World Tour Championship is a world-class sporting and social event and the final tournament of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai. Now celebrating its 13th Year, the championship hosts the top 50 golfers on the European Tour on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. This year’s event will be held over four days from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 November 2021. The 50 highest ranked players on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex will take on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates - designed by two-time Open Champion, Greg Norman - competing for a share of the US $9 million prize pot.

Date:  18-21 November 2021 Gates Open:  07:00 Hospitality Chalet Open:  09:00 Venue:  Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates Important Information:  No age restrictions for GA. Children must be 12+ to enter hospitality and be accompanied by an adult.

Hospitality Itinerary

* Alcoholic Package starts at 1PM

Early Bird Prices*

For bookings, please purchase your VIP Hospitality Tickets at  www.ticketmaster.ae

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Westwood wins third race to dubai title.

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Live Reporting

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All times stated are UK

Post update

And that's it from us after a dramatic morning of golf.

Lee Westwood is the Race to Dubai champion, Matthew Fitzpatrick is the DP World Tour Championship winner.

You can read all about it here, and watch how the action unfolded on BBC Two at 18:10 GMT this evening.

Until next time...

Westy for the Ryder Cup?

Westwood wins race to dubai title.

So, with the Ryder Cup postponed until 2021, does Lee Westwood fancy his chances of representing Europe once more?

"I would love to play again, at some point I am hoping the captaincy is going to be offered," he said.

"I have played in 10 Ryder Cups, at certain times you have to move into different chapters of your life.

"If I did qualify, I would give it my all and be ready for it."

'It was a great finish'

And here's the Race to Dubai champion, Lee Westwood: "It's been a bizarre season for so many reasons, the European Tour have done an incredible job to pick the season up again from July and have tournaments on every week.

"The culmination of it all here, it was a great finish, sat there watching it. Thrills and spills, the Race to Dubai up for grabs and the tournament up for grabs.

"It's been 20 years since I sat there at Valderrama, to win the Order of Merit as it was then. It's not getting any easier, I am not getting any younger. I am just enjoying playing golf against these great young players - these kids are so good now. Matt feels like he has been out here for years but is still in his mid-20s and finished like a pro there.

"You don't get anywhere in life without hard work, you need talent to fine tune but all those hours on the range and when you get to my age, you have to keep yourself in shape. I had a bit of a back problem and it nearly cost me this week - on Monday I didn't know if I was going to play."

'Lee's a phenomenal player'

Fitzpatrick wins dp world tour championship.

Lee Westwood just edged Matthew Fitzpatrick to the Race to Dubai title by finishing in outright second.

"He's had enough, couldn't he share one with me!" laughed Fitzpatrick.

"Lee is the definition of the Tour, he's a phenomenal player, has been for so long, and played brilliantly this year. I can't speak highly enough of him."

'It was just about staying in it'

Matthew Fitzpatrick began the day in a three-way tie for the lead, but accelerated clear with four birdies in his opening four holes before holding on down the back nine as others closed.

And here he is: "It was just a grind, I wanted to win for my family, all the hard work they put in supporting me on and off the course.

"It was just trying to make pars, not losing ground, it was a bit up and down on the back nine, but it was just about staying in it and maintaining the lead I built early on."

-15 Fitzpatrick, -12 Canter (F)

Matthew Fitzpatrick pops his birdie putt to within a few feet of the cup.

This to win the DP World Tour Championship.

Down it goes! No mistake from the Englishman. A superb victory.

-15 Fitzpatrick, -12 Canter (17)

Laurie Canter gets a drop. He needs to hole out from here to stop Lee Westwood winning the Race to Dubai title... he doesn't, and that's a third title for Westy!

Hugs all round, he's crowned Europe's best golfer once again - and takes $2m to sweeten the deal.

A fantastic season for the 47-year-old.

Sand wedge? Gap wedge? There's a long chat between Matthew Fitzpatrick and his caddie as what to use here into 18. He's 98 yards from the flag, and pitches it 15 feet or so to the right.

Fitzpatrick can use two putts for the win...

Great shot from Matthew Fitzpatrick. He goes right, on to the fairway and leaves himself a nice route into the flag.

Only a Laurie Canter eagle can stop Lee Westwood becoming Race to Dubai champion, but his approach is miles off target - that's heading for the grandstand, and settles on the sand just in front of it.

Westy has all but pocketed that winner's cheque.

Never mind the Race to Dubai, Lee Westwood could find himself back in with a chance of winning the DP World Tour Championship too - he sits one back from Matthew Fitzpatrick, who is in a spot of bother on 18. Should Westy win both, he'll walk away with $5m. Not bad...

Matthew Fitzpatrick, who dropped his first shot of the day at 17, has hooked his drive at 18 left.

How's that looking? Not great, with water to contend with, too. Does he fancy it?

There's a lot of pacing going on...

Reed finishes at 13 under

-13 Reed (F)

Patrick Reed is smiling. He closes with another scrambling birdie to move back to 13 under par for the tournament. It won't be enough to win him the Race to Dubai prize, mind.

Matthew Fitzpatrick needs Laurie Canter to eagle the last to draw level with Westy and hand him the Race to Dubai win...

Westwood into Race to Dubai lead

Matthew Fitzpatrick does very well to keep his cool and drown that tricky bogey putt.

He has a one-stroke lead heading up the last.

Laurie Canter makes a double and slides to 12 under.

BUT... it means Lee Westwood is into outright second place, and with that he goes top of the Race to Dubai rankings.

Could it all change on 17?

-16 Fitzpatrick, -14 Canter (16)

Well... Lee Westwood is watching on eagerly after finishing his round. He's still in the mix.

He's currently tied for second with Laurie Canter, who has just witnessed his chip up the bank at the par-three 17th run back down to where it started. He then reaches for a putter and bumps it just up on to the fringes.

This for bogey... it wobbles a few feet to the left. What now?

Matthew Fitzpatrick managed to clear the ridge and give himself a shot at making par. He's watched Canter fall away and now has to keep his own composure, uh oh... that's long.

Things could all be about to change.

Westy still in this

Did I write Lee Westwood off a little too early there? That birdie on the last put him into a tie for second and with Laurie Canter making a mess of the 17th, solo second for Westy could be enough...

Hovland home

-13 Hovland (F)

Viktor Hovland tidies up a three-under-par 69 to close out at 13 under. Another good tournament for the 23-year-old Norwegian.

Little club twirl from Matthew Fitzpatrick after his tee shot into 17. That normally signifies he's pleased with it, but the Englishman might want to reconsider... it catches the bank and runs off down towards the water, stopping short but leaving him a tricky up-and-down.

Bogey for Reed

-12 Reed (17)

Oh dear! Patrick Reed's par putt at 17 wobbles right of the cup. He needed that, badly.

Is that it for the American's hopes of winning the Race to Dubai? Bogey it is, back to 12 under.

Westwood finishes with birdie

-14 Westwood (F), -12 Valimaki (F)

Here's Lee Westwood out of the sand, and that's a delightful final chip, up to tap-in birdie range and a 14 under par finish. It's a four-under-par 68 and the clubhouse target.

It's not going to be quite enough for the 47-year-old Englishman to claim a third Race to Dubai title though.

Sami Valimaki is also finishing up. The Finn with a decent par putt to sign for a fourth round of 69 and 12 under total.

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2023 DP World Tour Championship live stream, how to watch online, TV schedule, golf tee times, channel

The race to dubai may have a winner but plenty remains on the line in the european finale.

The DP World Tour season is set to reach its conclusion this week with the 2023 DP World Tour Championship taking center stage at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course in Dubai. The top 50 players from the Race to Dubai standings will once again take to this par 72 with one eye on a massive payday that could be theirs come Sunday.

Rory McIlroy has already wrapped up the Race to Dubai crown thanks to regular-season performance. Highlighted by a come-from-behind victory at the 2023 Scottish Open, the Northern Irishman has claimed his fifth season-long title on the European circuit. No matter the case, the heavy hitters have arrived and look to put their finishing touches on the calendar year.

Race to Dubai No. 2 Jon Rahm makes his first start since the 2023 Ryder Cup, as does FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland. Englishmen Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood all hope to continue their fine form. Fleetwood comes in following a nice start at the Nedbank Challenge, while Fitzpatrick won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship his last time out in early October.

These stars have their pick of the litter when it comes to where they wish to play in the world. Adrian Meronk hopes for the same as PGA Tour cards will be granted to the top 10 players in the rankings who do not already have their PGA Tour cards for 2024. The top player among these 10 will be fully exempt and adds an extra layer of drama among the likes of Adrian Meronk, Ryan Fox, Robert MacIntyre and Victor Perez.

All times Eastern; streaming start times approximated.

Round 3 - Saturday

Round starts:  11:30 p.m. Friday

Live TV coverage:  2-8 a.m. on Golf Channel Live stream:  2-8 a.m. on Peacock

Round 4 - Sunday

Round starts:  11 p.m. Saturday

Live TV coverage:  1:30 - 7:30 a.m. on Golf Channel Live stream:  1:30 - 7:30 a.m. on Peacock

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DP World Tour Championship: Field, tee times, and groups for the season finale

Published: 18 November 2023

The DP World Tour reaches its conclusion in Dubai.

The DP World Tour reaches its climax in Dubai for the season-ending Tour Championship, but who is playing and what are the tee times?

Jump To: Round 4 Tee Times | Who Will Win

Four is set to become five for Rory McIlroy, as the Northern Irishman prepares to end the season as Europe’s No.1 golfer once again. It will be the second time Rory has defended the prestigious Race to Dubai title, having previously won the Order of Merit in 2012, 2014, and 2015.

It is also the first time a player has been crowned champion before the final event of the season. McIlroy did not play at last week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge, where the only players with a chance of catching the four-time Major champion failed to secure enough points to stay in contention.

Adrian Meronk’s T15 finish in South Africa only gained the Polish player 94.5 points, keeping him an insurmountable 2,294 points adrift of McIlroy, with the only other contender, Ryan Fox, finishing T51.

The most legitimate threat to McIlroy’s defense would have come in the shape of World No.3 Jon Rahm , had the Spaniard decided to make the trip to Sun City. A solid performance at the Nedbank would have put a sizable dent into the 2,083-point deficit, making Rory’s walk in Dubai a little less processional.

There is still a rather big tournament to be won in Dubai however, and with McIlroy and Rahm gunning for their third and fourth Tour Championship titles respectively, the competition is likely to be as fierce as ever.

Rahm secured a two-shot victory over the stellar field in 2022, making it three wins and a top-five finish from his four trips to the Earth Course. In doing so, Rahm became the first player to win the Tour Championship three times, and the only player to have won five Rolex Series titles.

While McIlroy and Rahm will no doubt be heavily fancied once again in Dubai, a contingent of their Ryder Cup stablemates including Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, and Matt Fitzpatrick will all relish the opportunity to steal bragging rights out in the desert.

Where is the DP World Tour Championship being played?

The 45th and final event of the DP World Tour season is held at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, a luxury golf community rated among the best lifestyle estates in the world.

The Estate boasts two Greg-Norman-designed courses – Fire and Earth, with the latter having played host to the DP World Tour’s flagship event for 14 years.

At 7,675 yards, the par-72 Earth course has been inspired by the great parklands of Europe and North America, featuring rolling terrain, rushing water, and unforgiving bunkers. The greens typically run at 12 on the stipmeter and water is on play on the 6th, 14, 16th, 17th, and 18th holes.

Englishman Justin Rose holds the course record at the Earth Course. His ten under 62 in 2012 however was not quite enough to prevent Rory McIlroy from winning his first Tour Championship title.

Read where the Earth Course placed in our Top 100 Best Golf Courses in the Middle East and North Africa .

Who is playing in the DP World Tour Championship?

The Tour Championship will feature the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings including six of the top 20 in the Official Golf World Rankings .

Ten members of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team from Rome will tee it up in the desert with only Justin Rose and Ludvig Aberg missing out. Other notable names not making the 50-player cut are England’s Aaron Rai and Scotland’s Richie Ramsey, who hold six DP Tour wins between them.

Seven of the top 20 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings hail from Scandinavia, including Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Sweden’s Alexander Bjork and Vincent Normrman, Finland’s Sami Valimaki, and Norwegian FedExCup Champion, Victor Hovland .

Non-European golfers in the field include Ryan Fox, Min Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune, Thriston Lawrence, Tom Kim, Daniel Hillier, Zander Lombard, and Lucas Herbert.

Who will win the DP World Tour Championship?

After a stunning 12-under par 60, England’s Matt Wallace (3/1) has launched himself into title contention, firing 12 birdies to top the leaderboard by a shot going into Sunday’s final round.

Hot on Wallace’s heels however are Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes Viktor Hovland (9/5) and Tommy Fleetwood (14/5) who will fancy their chances of a season-ending win in the desert.

Selected others

Nicolai Hojgaard 14/1

Jeff Winther 18/1

Jon Rahm 28/1

Ewen Ferguson 30/1

* Prices reflect an average across bookmakers before the final round.

How much prize money is on offer at the DP World Tour Championship?

Players will compete for a share of the $10 million purse, the biggest in European Golf, with the winner receiving a $3 million share.

How can I watch the DP World Tour Championship?

UK viewers can catch all the action on Sky Sports Golf.

All times GMT

Sunday, October 19:  Sky Sports Golf, 06.30

US viewers can catch all the action on Golf Channel

All times EST

Sunday, October 19:  Golf Channel, 01.30

DP World Tour Championship: Tee times and groups

DP World Tour – Race to Dubai standings

Going into the season-ending Tour Championship, Rory McIlroy has compiled an insurmountable lead over the chasing pack from just nine tournaments played. Jon Rahm sits 2,082.53 points behind McIlroy from just seven events with Poland’s Adrian Meronk sitting in third a further 212.25 points adrift from 23 tournaments.

Can players secure PGA Tour cards?

A Strategic Alliance between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour has enabled a formal pathway to be established for players to earn dual membership status. Following the Tour Championship, the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings (not otherwise exempt), will gain 2024 PGA Tour exemptions.

Adrian Meronk is currently the highest-ranked player, not otherwise exempt through the top 50 of the 2023 FedExCup standings, and is in prime position to earn an exemption into the Players Championship and two PGA Tour Signature Events in 2024.

Also in contention for dual membership are Rolex Series winner Victor Perez, Ryder Cup rookie Robert MacIntyre, and first-time DP World Tour winner Ryo Hisatsune.

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About the author

Ross Tugwood Golf Equipment Writer

Ross Tugwood is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation. He’s also an expert in golf apparel and has a keen interest in sustainability.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

Ross uses a Cobra King SZ Speedzone driver, Titleist TSi2 3-Wood, TaylorMade Sim2 Rescue, Callaway Apex Pro irons (4-PW), Cleveland 588 RTX wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade Spider Ex putter, and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.

Race to Dubai: Tommy Fleetwood leads English presence

04/02/2024 by Golf Post Editors

An overview of the ‘Race to Dubai’ and ‘DP World Tour’, with a focus on the ranking leaders and English golfers.

Remains the best English player in the Race to Dubai Rankings: Tommy Fleetwood. (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour season continues to gather pace, with numerous tournaments already completed. In the latest event, Shane Lowry emerged victorious, securing his position among the top contenders. Rory McIlroy currently leads the pack in the Race to Dubai rankings, with an impressive performance throughout the season. As part of the United Kingdom’s contribution to the sport, there are currently 20 English players holding spots in the top 120 of the Race to Dubai rankings.

Top Englishmen Perform in Race to Dubai

Three English players have made significant strides in the Race to Dubai rankings this season. Tommy Fleetwood, with a triumph to his name, currently sits at 16th with 625.6 points after participating in two events. Laurie Canter has gathered 496.25 points from six events and Jordan Smith holds 482.85 points from eight events, with Andy Sullivan following up closely at 24th place.

Fierce Competition at the Top

McIlroy remains the frontrunner in the Race to Dubai, having amassed 1596 points from just two events, including one notable victory. Close on his heels are Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino with 1258.1 points from ten events including a win, and Sweden’s Jesper Svensson who has collected 1160.34 points also from ten tournaments and one win. Adrian Meronk from Poland, with 1023.4 points from four events and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann with 966.73 points from three events, also claiming a win, round out the top five.

How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works

The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour (former European Tour). The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.

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Rory McIlroy claims record fourth Dubai Desert Classic victory and first DP World Tour win of season

Rory McIlroy becomes the first four-time winner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic; McIlroy's win follows a runner-up finish at the Dubai Invitational and moves him top of the Race to Dubai rankings; Adrian Meronk claimed second ahead of Cameron Young

By Ali Stafford

Monday 22 January 2024 06:08, UK

Rory McIlroy successfully defended his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title and secured a record fourth victory at the event after completing an impressive one-shot win.

McIlroy was 10 strokes off the halfway lead before charging into contention with a third-round 63 at Emirates Golf Club, taking him within two shots of Cameron Young, then pulled clear of the field during an impressive final-round display.

The world No 2 moved into a share of the lead inside the opening four holes and grabbed the solo advantage at the sixth after errors from both Young and Adrian Meronk, with back-to-back birdies from the eighth seeing McIlroy reach the turn with a three-stroke cushion.

Final leaderboard

-14 Rory McIlroy (NIrl)

-13 Adrian Meronk (Pol)

-12 Cameron Young (USA)

Others: -10 Joaquin Niemann (Chi), Aaron Cockerill (Can), Pablo Larrazabal (Esp); -9 Adam Scott (Aus); -7 Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)

• Recap: Rory McIlroy's win as it happened | Full Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard
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McIlroy saw his advantage cut from four to one when Meronk posted back-to-back birdies on the back nine, although the four-time major champion carded a two-under 70 to hold off the chasing pack and claim a first win of the year.

Dubai delight for McIlroy

McIlroy produced a sensational tee shot at the par-four second, driving the green and two-putting from 30 feet for birdie, while Meronk also moved within one of Young by taking advantage of the par-five third.

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Young missed the chance to double his lead from inside four feet at the fourth then bogeyed the sixth after seeing his tee shot stop next to a tree stump, as McIlroy got up and down from the sand to save par to temporarily make it a three-way tie at the top.

Meronk found the water on his way to double-bogeying the seventh and Young missed a shot on the same par-three, as McIlroy produced a sensational save from the back of the seventh green to take a one-shot lead.

Dubai Desert Classic: Final round recap

Final Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard

Latest DP World Tour schedule, results

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McIlroy responded to an average approach into the par-four next by nailing a big breaking putt from 30 feet and added another birdie at the ninth to reach the turn in 33, although failed to take advantage of the par-five 10th to allow Young to move back within two with a birdie.

Young bogeyed his next two holes to briefly move McIlroy four clear, only for the Northern Irishman to give hope for the field when he sprayed his tee shot into trees at the 13th on his way to a bogey-six.

Meronk responded by posting back-to-back birdies from the 13th to get within one but then lost ground with a bogey at the 16th after driving into some thick rough, as McIlroy went on a run of two-putt pars to restore control of the tournament.

Young kept his slim hopes alive when he converted from 25 feet at the 16th to join Meronk in tied-second but bogeyed the next, allowing McIlroy to take a two-shot advantage to the par-five last.

McIlroy found the rough at the back left of the green with his second shot and pitched well to 10 feet, then two-putted for the par required to finish a shot clear of Meronk and claim a first win of 2024.

Rory McIlroy wins the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for a fourth time 🏆 #DubaiDesertClassic | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/2Lvg4aMjB3 — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 21, 2024

A one-under 71 saw Meronk - the DP World Tour Player of the Year - claim second ahead of Young, who birdied the last to close a final-round 74, while Joaquin Niemann shared fourth with Aaron Cockerill and Pablo Larrazabal.

Haotong Li, Nicolai Hojgaard, Masahiro Kawamura and Adam Scott rounded off the top 10, as Tommy Fleetwood - who pipped McIlroy to Dubai Invitational victory last week - ended in tied-14th.

'Great start to the season' for McIlroy

McIlroy's victory follows his runner-up finish at the Dubai Invitational last Sunday, with the reigning Race to Dubai champion confident of building on his fast start to 2024 over the coming months.

"It's a great start to the season," McIlroy said after his victory. "I started well last year here with the win here but it was a little more dramatic on the last green compared to today.

"It's a great platform to build from. I know I'm playing good golf and there are still a couple of misses, off the tee left - one got me on 18 last week and I missed one today on the 13th and one on 16 as well which nearly cost me as well.

"A couple of little things to work on but these weeks are great and you learn a tonne from them. Then it's great to have the competition and come out on top as well."

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What's next?

The DP World Tour stays in the Middle East for the Ras al Khaimah Championship, where Daniel Gavins returns as defending champion. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 8am on Sky Sports Golf.

Rory McIlroy is next in action on the PGA Tour at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 1-4, live on Sky Sports . Stream golf and more top sport with NOW.

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Payday in Dubai

Here's the prize money payout for each golfer at the 2023 DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy and Nicolai Hojgaard walked away the big winners from this week's DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy won the overall points title for the fifth time while Hojgaard was the winner of the Tour Championship with a 21-under total.

David Cannon

An already memorable 2023 season on the DP World Tour for Nicolai Hojgaard—in which he played in his first Ryder Cup—got even more so on Sunday at the DP World Tour Championship. The 22-year-old Dane closed out the final round at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai with a eight-under 64 to charge past overnight leader Matt Wallace and claim victory with a 21-under 267 performance, two shots better than Wallace, Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland.

Hojgaard’s victory is the third of his career on the DP World Tour but his most lucrative. The first-place prize money payout was worth $3 million from an overall purse of $10.5 million. The payday from Sunday (€2,764,461 in Euros) amounts to more than 40 percent his entire career earnings to date on the DP World Tour (€6,380,134.75).

Here's the prize money payout for each golfer who competed in the DP World Tour’s season finale.

More From Golf Digest

Win: Nicolai HØJGAARD, -21, $3,000,000

T-2: Viktor HOVLAND, -19, $910,000

T-2: Tommy FLEETWOOD, -19, $910,000

T-2: Matt WALLACE, -19, $910,000

T-5: Thriston LAWRENCE, -17, $340,000

T-5: Jon RAHM, -17, $340,000

T-5: Matthieu PAVON, -17, $340,000

8: Victor PEREZ, -16, $240,000

T-9: Ewen FERGUSON, -15, $200,000

T-9: Jeff WINTHER, -15, $200,000

T-11: Tyrrell HATTON, -14, $153,000

T-11: Romain LANGASQUE, -14, $153,000

T-11: Antoine ROZNER, -14, $153,000

T-11: Rasmus HØJGAARD, -14, $153,000

T-15: Tom KIM, -13, $117,750

T-15: Min Woo LEE, -13, $117,750

17: Dan BRADBURY, -12, $110,000

T-18: Adrian OTAEGUI, -11, $99,000

T-18: Shane LOWRY, -11, $ 99,000

T-18: Ryo HISATSUNE, -11, $99,000

T-18: Robert MACINTYRE, -11, $99,000

T-22: Sepp STRAKA, -10, $86,625

T-22: Zander LOMBARD, -10, $86,625

T-22: Rory MCILROY, -10, $86,625

T-22: Julien GUERRIER, -10, $86,625

26: Thorbjørn OLESEN, -9, $80,000

T-27: Grant FORREST, -8, $72,600

T-27: Vincent NORRMAN, -8, $72,600

T-27: Yannik PAUL, -8, $72,600

T-27: Matt FITZPATRICK, -8, $72,600

T-27: Jens DANTORP, -8, $72,600

T-32: Adrian MERONK, -7, $65,000

T-32: Tom MCKIBBIN, -7, $65,000

T-34: Pablo LARRAZÁBAL, -6, $61,000

T-34: Ryan FOX, -6, $61,000

T-36: Nathan KIMSEY, -5, $57,000

T-36: Alexander BJÖRK, -5, $57,000

T-38: Daniel HILLIER, -4, $52,000

T-38: Lucas HERBERT, -4, $52,000

T-38: Sami VÄLIMÄKI, -4, $52,000

T-41: Sebastian SÖDERBERG, -3, $48,500

T-41: Connor SYME, -3, $48,500

T-43: Jorge CAMPILLO, -2, $46,500

T-43: Julien BRUN, -2, $46,500

T-45: Daniel BROWN, -1, $44,500

T-45: Marcel SIEM, -1, $44,500

47: Jordan SMITH, E, $43,000

48: Joost LUITEN, +3, $42,000

49: Matthew SOUTHGATE, +4, $41,000

50: Nacho ELVIRA, +6, $40,000

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2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic final results: Prize money payout, leaderboard and how much each golfer won

The 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic final leaderboard is headed by winner Rory McIlroy, who earned the DP World Tour win at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

McIlroy won the event after overtaking 54-hole leader Cameron Young, who was seeking his first DP World Tour win in the long-standing event. In the final round, McIlroy's 2-under 70 was good enough for a one-shot win over Adrian Meronk on 14-under 274.

Young finished in solo third place after closing with 74 to drop to the bronze position. McIlroy defends his title and becomes the first player to win this event four times.

McIlroy won the €1,406,040.93 winner's share of the $9,000,000 purse.

Hero Dubai Desert Classic recap notes

McIlroy earned 30 Official World Golf Ranking points with the win, with the minimum point schedule removed from the Official World Golf Ranking.

There was a 36-hole cut, with 74 of 126 starting players finishing the event in the eighth completed event of the season.

McIlroy earned 1,335 Race to Dubai points as a DP World Tour member, with its season-long Race to Dubai points race getting started for 2023-2024.

The 2024 European Tour schedule continues next week with the 2024 Ras al Khaimah Championship .

2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic final leaderboard, results and prize money payouts

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UAE's star golfers set for Challenge Tour double header

Golf in uae, golf in uae uae.

Joshua Grenville-Wood and Ahmad Skaik will be competing in the two events in Abu Dhabi

Also in this package

• Ahmad Skaik makes major swing changes ahead of UAE Challenge Tour double header
• Ten new tee boxes created for Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club
• UAE's Grenville-Wood breaks into top 500 on Official World Golf Ranking

The UAE’s Joshua Grenville-Wood and Ahmad Skaik are set to go head-to-head with some of the world’s top rising stars when the Challenge Tour descends upon the capital for an enticing two-week double header later this month.

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club makes its Challenge Tour debut as host venue of the Abu Dhabi Challenge from April 18-21 before Saadiyat Beach Golf Club provides the setting for the UAE Challenge from April 25-28.

“I’m very excited,” said Grenville-Wood who finished tied second at last year’s Abu Dhabi Challenge before going on to post some solid results in DP World Tour events across the Middle East including a tied sixth at last year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and a tied ninth at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship this season.

“It's amazing to see golf booming in the region and more tournaments every year, with a commitment from the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour to keep coming back.

"It's fantastic that we can have two Challenge Tour events here on two great courses. It's really good to see we are able to have these events and help local guys out as well as show off golf in the region.”

The two events are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which aims to develop golf in the United Arab Emirates for at least the next decade.

Thirty spots in each tournament will be allocated to the EGF to help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for UAE golfers. As well as giving local players key experience of playing elite level tournaments in Abu Dhabi, the EGF are able to swap some of their allocation with other international federations to allow UAE players to compete in other Challenge Tour events around the world.

One of the players to benefit from these additional opportunities last year was the UAE’s No.1 amateur, Skaik, who gained entry into four Challenge Tour events across Spain, Italy and France last year and he believes the EGF’s partnership with the European Tour group has significantly accelerated his development as he strives towards his goal of becoming a full-time tour pro.

“It’s always great to play in such big events,” he said. “The dream is to play on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour and the Challenge Tour is very close to that level so to be able to play events like these is a very good opportunity for all the national players here.

“To be able to have the experience of playing against some of the best players in the world so we can learn from them is amazing. The course set up for events like these is also different to what we’re used to so we get to see the players prepare for these events, week in week out, so that we can add that to our games as well.

“All the boys are excited to get going – the ones who played last year and the ones who are playing for the first time. We’re all very excited and ready for it.

“I played in six Challenge Tour events last year including the two in Abu Dhabi. It was tough, it wasn’t easy. The courses that I played in Europe were different – very tight so I realised that it’s not about just hitting the ball as far as possible, you have to be very accurate and very smart on some courses. Some holes you’ll take an iron or a rescue wood off the tee and it’s better to leave yourself a six iron into the green rather than a nine iron where you risk hitting it out of bounds off the tee. So, it’s all of these things I’ve learned and I’m putting them into my game.”

As well as being granted spots in other Challenge Tour events, the EGF can also access spots in Ladies European Tour events for the country’s leading female talents.

His Excellency General Abdullah Al Hashmi, Vice Chairman, Emirates Golf Federation, said: “Using the Challenge Tour events by exchanging spots between other federations and events give the UAE National Team players a huge advantage, while they gain experience and World Ranking points for both amateurs and professionals.

“We are doing this for both male and female players. In addition, it allows the EGF to collaborate with other key stakeholders within the golf ecosystem. The UAE Challenge Tour events are extremely popular and very difficult to get into. This gives these events more value, and better exposure for everyone participating. We look forward to seeing how our players perform and how these events continues to develop the sport at an elite level.”

Freddie Schmeisser, Head of Championships, DP World Tour Middle East, added:

“It’s a pleasure to have the Challenge Tour back and these two events are a fantastic addition to the European Tour group’s suite of events in the region. We are grateful for the continued support of the Emirates Golf Federation, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Phoenix Capital and Al Laith.”

“We’re delighted to be able to facilitate elite level playing opportunities for UAE based players both at home and abroad as part of our long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation aimed at growing the game of golf in this country at all levels.”

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With this win: Keita Nakajima - Hero Indian Open

The DP World Tour celebrated its latest first-time winner on the 2024 Race to Dubai as Keita Nakajima claimed his maiden victory at the Hero Indian Open .

Below, find out what the Japanese star has accomplished with this win.

Key facts: Keita Nakajimas victory at the Hero Indian Open

• It is his first DP World Tour win on his 11th appearance
• He becomes the third player from Japan to win the Hero Indian Open, joining Hidezumi Shirakata (1996) and Kenji Hosoishi (1967 and ‘68)
• Rises to 13th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, up from 90th
• He moves to first on the Asian Swing Rankings
• He climbs to a career-high 78th on the Official World Golf Ranking, up from 111th
• He is the fifth players from Japan to win on the DP World Tour, following Isao Aoki, Hideki Matsuyama, Ryo Hisatsune and Rikuya Hoshino
• It is the second win by a player from Japan on the 2024 Race to Dubai, adding to Hoshino’s victory at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in February
• It is the seventh win by a player from Japan on the DP World Tour
• This is the first season in DP World Tour history with multiple victories by Japanese players
• He is the sixth first-time winner on the DP World Tour so far this season

Five Things to Know: Keita Nakajima

In his rookie campaign, Keita Nakajima proved he is one to watch at the top echelons of the professional game as the former World Number One amateur claimed his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open.

Discover more

Keita Nakajima cruises to maiden DP World Tour win in India

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UAE golf star Joshua Grenville-Wood hoping for a strong week at Qatar Masters

D ubai: Joshua Grenville-Wood is looking to finish his four-week stint of DP World Tour events in style, with the UAE star retuning to the scene of his best result on the circuit – Doha Golf Club.

The 25-year-old banked himself a tidy €106,448.62 last year after finishing in a share of sixth at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in what was just his second start on the DP World Tour.

The impressive result came against a host of star names, with European stars Robert MacIntyre, Rasmus Højgaard and Thorbjørn Olesen – all of whom have won multiple DP World Tour titles – competing.

“I’ve still got good memories from last year,” said Grenville-Wood.

“It’s a golf course that I really, really like and it suits my game. It’s long, it’s not crazy tight but you can hit it slightly wide round there and you’ll be alright. I like the fact its long, plays firm and the greens are fast.

“Being one of the longest hitters on Tour is a big boost for me when playing some of these really long par fours and par fives as well.”

His career-best finish in Qatar came shortly after Grenville-Wood was awarded UAE citizenship by the Emirates Golf Federation, who were keen to support the vision of the UAE government in providing UAE athletes and residents the opportunity to represent the country.

The nationality switch has proved to be a fruitful one, with Grenville-Wood securing invites from the Emirates Golf Federation into four of the DP World Tour’s International Swing tournaments – the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, the Bahrain Championship and the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

“I wouldn’t say anything has changed since becoming a UAE citizen, I try not to think that much has changed, but I’m getting more exposure and receiving invites into all these big events now because of it which is amazing,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have had this opportunity beforehand without UAE citizenship, so to have that opportunity now is amazing. It’s been a big help. Other than that, I try not to think too much about it and just let my golf do the talking.”

After missing the cut at Emirates Golf Club for the milestone 35th edition of the Dubai Desert Classic, Grenville-Wood finished in a share of ninth at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship before making the cut on the number at the Bahrain Championship, eventually finishing tied for 62nd at the Royal Golf Club.

“Ras Al Khaimah was a good week, but I’d say Bahrain was a little disappointing – I just didn’t get it going at the weekend and had a pretty disappointing finish so I was a bit gutted,” he said.

“I’ve learnt a lot these last few weeks and will take that into this week in Qatar.”

With no current status on the DP World Tour, Grenville-Wood is relying on invites from sponsors and the Emirates Golf Federation to compete this season. Having said that, he could guarantee a start in the next tournament by finish inside the top ten in the preceding event.

The ultimate goal for this season? To have membership for the DP World Tour in 2025. To do that, he must either win this season or finish inside the top 21 of the Non-Members Race to Dubai Ranking – he currently sits in 20th.

“Obviously I’m looking to finish top ten this week to secure my spot in the Kenya Open, but my next confirmed event should be one of the South African tournaments or in Singapore,” he said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Asia and know the course in Singapore, so it would be great to head back there and play. I think I’d have a good advantage over some of the guys on Tour who haven’t played in that part of the world.”

“My main goal is to have full status on the DP World Tour next year. Also, I’ve got a few months left of Olympic qualification which I’m pushing really hard for. If I can get high enough and represent the UAE at Olympics it would be amazing – it would be a dream come true. Those are my two goals right now, so I just need to keep working away and play good golf.”

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Robert rock junior golf tour committed to fostering grassroots development of the game, the former dp world tour golfer praises the abu dhabi golf club for their efforts in hosting the second robert rock abu dhabi championship, by robert rock.

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Published: Fri 5 Apr 2024, 1:56 PM

It all started with an enquiry from Kieren Pratt, Director of Golf at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club following one of my trips to Abu Dhabi where I hosted a Pro’s trip.

Kieren wanted to know more about the Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour and, needless to say, he liked what I had to say and was willing to host the first event last year.

Earlier this week, we returned for another successful edition of the Robert Rock Abu Dhabi Championship which fosters junior golf.

The whole Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour (RRJGT) began back in 2017 with just one event – just to see how it went.

Our Events Organiser Natalie Haywood is the driving force behind it all and she should take all the credit as it has exceeded all our expectations as it now has 26 events in a full Tour.

Our initiatives sit below the Faldo Series, who we work closely with. We are aimed more at beginners and junior development, from nine-hole events upwards - rather than just attracting elite juniors.

I expected other professionals with a similar love of golf to do their own thing with juniors – but it never really happened to any great extent. We suddenly realized there was a demand for these junior golf tournaments.

Entries are all managed through our website especially social media driving the business with support from the host golf club.

I still do some coaching. I really enjoyed it at the end of my playing career being at tournament sites and coaching – as long as I was playing. I had the time and with niggling injuries I could not practice for too long at any one time. However, I was never going to be a coach travelling the tour full time.

My son is now 16 years old and is a footballer. He just got accepted at Chesterfield FC Academy and has been involved there for four years. They got promoted recently to the Football League and have an excellent set-up.

My main job as a parent is to encourage him and hopefully, my background in sport has helped. I have never been a football fan. I am now.

I live in Rugeley, Stafford in the English Midlands. I take my son three times a week to football – much the same as parents do for golf. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly – and it is only now I realise how important parental support is for sons and daughters who wish to play sports, at whatever level. We have seen it here this week – with so many parents attending from all over the world as well as from all corners of the UAE.

Looking forward I want to keep my golf game ticking over - so when I do decide to play in some competitions I am ready.

I have just started doing online lessons which seem to be popular. That seems to be the future for some coaches and players – we will see how that goes.

I want to keep the RRJGT going – we are looking at adding more events overseas, similar to here in Abu Dhabi.

Finally, thank you to Kieren and all at Abu Dhabi Golf Club for hosting this week’s Robert Rock Abu Dhabi Championship. We have had a great time – as have the juniors and parents – and we look forward to coming back soon.

For more information Visit: www.robertrockjuniorgolftour.co.uk

• Golf’s future stars vie for honours at Robert Rock Abu Dhabi Championship
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Laurel River wins $12 million Dubai World Cup by record 8 1/2 lengths

Laurel River with jockey Tadhg O’Shea wins Group 1 Dubai World Cup over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

Facteur Cheval (R) with jockey Maxime Guyon beats Namur under Cristian Demuro to win Group 1 Dubai Turf over 1800m (9 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

Facteur Cheval’s jockey Maxime Guyon reacts after winning Group 1 Dubai Turf over 1800m (9 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

Forever Young, with jockey Ryusei Sakai, wins the Group 2 UAE Derby over 1900m (9.5 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, March 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

Forever Young’s jockey Ryusei Sakai reacts after winning the Group 2 UAE Derby over 1900m (9.5 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

Tuz, with jockey Tadhg O’Shea, wins Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen over 1200m (6 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Laurel River rallied to win the $12 million Dubai World Cup by a record-setting 8 1/2 lengths on Saturday at Meydan Racecourse.

Breaking from the far outside post in the field of 12, Laurel River and jockey Tadhg O’Shea surged into the lead at the midway point of the 1 1/4-mile race. Laurel River broke the old winning margin of six lengths set by Dubai Millennium in 2000 at Nad al Sheba. He covered the distance in 2:21.31 and paid $20.70.

“I’m still coming to terms with what’s happened. I think it’ll probably sink in in another day or two,” trainer Bhupat Seemar said. “It’s absolutely amazing.”

Laurel River was previously trained by Bob Baffert until owner Juddmonte Farms transferred the 6-year-old from the U.S. to Dubai-based trainer Seemar last summer.

Defending champion Ushba Tesoro finished second and earned $2.4 million. Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador from the U.S. was third and earned $1.2 million.

Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake finished sixth. Defunded was seventh. Newgate, trained by Baffert, was ninth. “My horse ran flat,” jockey Frankie Dettori said.

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