Rory McIlroy overcame a final-round cost from Patrick Reed to win the Dubai Desert Basic in a tense Monday duel between gamers who have been concerned in a pre-tournament spat.
World no. 1 McIlroy rolled in a birdie putt from round 15 ft at No. 18 for a 4-under 68 that left him a stroke away from Reed, who shot 65.
McIlroy captured the title for the third time and has began a 12 months with a win for the primary time in his profession.
The Northern Irishman began the spherical with a three-shot lead — and 4 forward of Reed — however was overtaken on the again 9 by the American, who picked up seven photographs in his first 13 holes.
Reed bogeyed No. 16 however made birdie at No. 18 to place strain on McIlroy, who completed on 19 below general.
The pair traded verbal blows Wednesday after an interplay — of kinds — on the follow vary Tuesday that noticed McIlroy snub Reed, who had gone over to want the Northern Irishman a cheerful new 12 months.
Reed walked away earlier than flippantly tossing a tee — that includes a emblem of his 4 Aces group within the LIV Golf league — within the course of McIlroy, one of the vital vocal critics of the Saudi-run breakaway collection.
Reed mentioned it was unlucky that McIlroy did not shake his hand and was quoted as describing McIlroy as an immature little little one.