Dubai, UAE – Matt Fitzpatrick secured victory at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Sunday, while Rory McIlroy clinched the overall Race to Dubai title despite a dramatic playoff loss.
The season-ending tournament saw a thrilling finish as McIlroy and Fitzpatrick battled for both the tournament win and the Race to Dubai crown. Though McIlroy forced a playoff with a clutch 15-foot eagle putt on the 18th, Fitzpatrick ultimately prevailed after McIlroy found water off the tee on the first playoff hole and failed to save par.
Fitzpatrick carded a bogey-free 66 to force the playoff, highlighted by three birdies in his opening five holes and another three in his final five, including a birdie on the 18th. McIlroy held a two-shot lead midway through the round but faltered with bogeys on the 12th and 16th.
The Race to Dubai title marks a significant achievement for McIlroy, capping off a year that included overcoming early-season struggles and a strong performance at the Ryder Cup.The overall title signifies the top golfer on the DP World Tour for the 2025 season.
“It means the world,” said Fitzpatrick, beaming after his win. “I struggled at the start of the year and to turn it round in the summer and have the Ryder Cup I did is hard to top,but the way I played today,there was one bad shot all day.”
“I’m so proud of myself.the effort everyone puts in behind the scenes. What a feeling.”
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen also had a chance to extend the playoff but missed his eagle attempt from around 20 feet.
more to follow.
