A series of blunders from Rory McIlroy proved costly in the Dubai Invitational, with the former world No.1 handing victory to Tommy Fleetwood in the inaugural event.
McIlroy was level with Fleetwood heading into the 14th hole, before missing two simple putts to gift his opponent a one-shot lead.
The 34-year-old would bounce back with birdies on the 15th and 17th holes, putting him back into the lead with one hole remaining in the season opener on the DP World Tour.
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Unfortunately, another uncharacteristic mistake would see McIlroy drive the ball into the water from his tee shot, opening the door right up for Fleetwood to capitalise and finish with a one-shot victory.
McIlroy was full of praise for Fleetwood following the result, but admitted he would learn lessons from his blunders in clutch moments.
"I'm really happy for Tommy. He's played some incredible golf over the last year without actually getting a win," he said.
"For him to get the win here, it's great for him and it will do his confidence and world of good, and hopefully he kicks on from it.
"I think the first week back out, I think you're going to expect some of those sloppy mistakes, and unfortunately for me, those mistakes came at the wrong time today.
"I'll reflect on it and learn from today, and there's still a lot of good stuff in there."
https://twitter.com/EatandSleepGolf/status/1746512003068223544?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwThe Dubai-based Fleetwood collected $635,000 after securing his 10th professional title and was overjoyed to kick off the year in style.
"It was amazing winning," Fleetwood said.
"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 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."
A series of blunders from Rory McIlroy proved costly in the Dubai Invitational, with the former world No.1 handing victory to Tommy Fleetwood in the inaugural event.
McIlroy was level with Fleetwood heading into the 14th hole, before missing two simple putts to gift his opponent a one-shot lead.
The 34-year-old would bounce back with birdies on the 15th and 17th holes, putting him back into the lead with one hole remaining in the season opener on the DP World Tour.
LIVE UPDATES: Latest news and action from the Australian Open
READ MORE: Djokovic 'divided' as rowdy fans cause early chaos
LIVESTREAM GUIDE: How to watch the Australian Open 2024
Unfortunately, another uncharacteristic mistake would see McIlroy drive the ball into the water from his tee shot, opening the door right up for Fleetwood to capitalise and finish with a one-shot victory.
McIlroy was full of praise for Fleetwood following the result, but admitted he would learn lessons from his blunders in clutch moments.
"I'm really happy for Tommy. He's played some incredible golf over the last year without actually getting a win," he said.
"For him to get the win here, it's great for him and it will do his confidence and world of good, and hopefully he kicks on from it.
"I think the first week back out, I think you're going to expect some of those sloppy mistakes, and unfortunately for me, those mistakes came at the wrong time today.
"I'll reflect on it and learn from today, and there's still a lot of good stuff in there."
https://twitter.com/EatandSleepGolf/status/1746512003068223544?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwThe Dubai-based Fleetwood collected $635,000 after securing his 10th professional title and was overjoyed to kick off the year in style.
"It was amazing winning," Fleetwood said.
"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 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."
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