England’s Tyrrell Hatton clinched a dramatic one-shot victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, edging out New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier to claim his fifth Rolex Series title.
The win propelled Hatton to eighth in the world rankings and sent him to the top of the European Ryder Cup qualifying charts.
Hatton carded a final round 69 to Hillier’s 71, finishing on 15-under-par at the Emirates Golf Club.
The triumph marked Hatton’s second victory since Ryder Cup qualifying began, with the Englishman having to sink a testing six-foot par putt on the final green to secure the win.
Rory McIlroy gave praise to Tyrrell Hatton after his victory at the Dubai Desert Classic
Reuters
Rory McIlroy delivered emphatic praise for his Ryder Cup teammate’s fiery personality following Hatton’s victory.
“He does not give a flying fig what anyone thinks of him, he has balls and is a massive asset for our Ryder Cup team,” McIlroy said.
The Northern Irishman particularly admired Hatton’s unapologetic approach to the game, even after the Englishman was fined for smashing a tee marker during Saturday’s third round.
“Not caring about other people’s opinions of you is a really good attribute to have in the game,” McIlroy added.
McIlroy mounted a strong final-day challenge with a closing round of 66, but ultimately finished three shots behind Hatton in a tie for fourth place.
Starting the day seven shots off the pace, McIlroy briefly got within two shots of the lead after a birdie at the 16th hole.
“I probably just left myself a bit too much to do after three days,” McIlroy told Sky Sports.
“I had chances, and I was burning the edges.”
Tyrrell Hatton landed victory on dramatic circumstances
Reuters
The world number three’s 12-under-par total marked his 12th consecutive top-10 finish in the event.
Tom McKibbin shared sixth place after a closing 69, finishing one shot behind McIlroy.
Hatton emphasised his commitment to making Europe’s Ryder Cup team following his Dubai triumph.
“I’ve made no secret how much the Ryder Cup means, and this gives me a chance to qualify automatically again,” Hatton said.
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Tyrrell Hatton will be a major asset to Europe’s Ryder Cup team, Rory McIlroy said
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With his move to LIV Golf limiting his DP World Tour appearances, Hatton will rely on the four majors to secure one of six automatic spots.
“I’ve still got the four Majors to continue earning points for the Ryder Cup,” he said.
“I’ve automatically qualified for the previous three Ryder Cups, and I’d love to be able to keep that streak going.”
His next DP World Tour appearance will be at the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club.
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