Rory McIlroy Wins Dubai Desert Classic – A fantastic start for World No.1

Rory McIlroy's superb ending to 2022 left him No.1 ranked, where he won the FedEx Cup. He had fans wondering what was possible in the coming year, and he has delivered in Dubai already.

The media was surrounding McIlroy heading into the Dubai Desert Classic last week, a competition the Northern Irishman had won twice previously.

He has reciprocated his form in his first tournament of the year where he was victorious with a score of -19 above LIV golfer Patrick Reed, who he had shared the news with heading into the tournament.

A bitter video between McIlroy and Reed surfaced earlier in the week which displayed The Northern Irishman refusing to shake Reed’s hand, who then threw a tee peg in his direction.

The public fall out between the two had surfaced after legal action over the LIV golf series. The American labelled McIlroy as a ‘immature little child’ heading into the tournament.

Rory McIlroy’s frustration came after he was subpoenaed by Reed’s lawyer on Christmas Eve. He told media in the press conference that “You can’t pretend like nothing’s happening”.

Rory McIlroy (Left) & Patrick Reed (Right)

Of course, the scriptwriters were not to allow this to be the final fiasco between the pair this weekend. After an impressive weekend by both, they were top 2 heading into Monday’s showdown, and on the tee together.

Rory McIlroy was consistent, but yet to reach his heights until Sunday, but was positioned well heading into the final 18 holes on -15, with Reed four back on -11. Either way, the pressure was on for to outdo the other after their mid-week spat.

Patrick Reed made an eventual comeback and went -7 for the day, and led Rory McIlroy on the 18th, a hole which the Northern Irishman had struggled with all week. He had ended up in the water on the day before at the final hole. McIlroy needed a birdie to win another tournament.

A stroke of luck usually comes your way when you most need it, and by inches, McIlroy’s conservative approach on the par 5 (in comparison to the previous day) meant he was inches from the water, which would’ve lead to an inevitable loss.

There was still work to do when he pinned a shot which ended 15ft or so from the hole and required the strong putting ability he had been displaying all week. He remained calm, composed and putted superbly to win his first tournament of the year (on his first appearance as well).

Rory McIlroy's stats in the final round (Via EuropeanTour)

This was undoubtedly a win which will feel ultimately satisfying McIlroy after the events which had transpired. Not just that, but another victory over a LIV golfer for the leading advocate of the PGA Tour.

This feels like it will be a crucial year for McIlroy. He is performing the best he has, his golf is the most complete it has been, his all-round game is fantastic. It is important that he capitalises though, such as he did in 2014. McIlroy is one of the greats, but if he wishes to be compared with the greats he needs to target the majors, or win a green jacket.

A superb start to the year for the World No.1, undoubtedly, and the bitterness of the LIV golfers will only spur him on to win more tournaments and return to glory.