Viktor Hovland won the 2022 Dubai Desert Classic after a Rory McIlroy debacle on the last couple of holes. Hovland came in from a six-shot deficit and won the event in the playoff against Richard Bland. Meanwhile, this was his second DP World Tour victory with three PGA Tour wins in his career so far.
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However, Rory McIlroy was in contention until the last few minutes. But sadly, he had an abysmal final two holes, which threw him out of contention. Notably, Hovland made an eagle on the 17th and a birdie on the 18th to finish with a score of -12.
Rory McIlroy misses a golden opportunity of winning the Dubai Desert Classic
Rory McIlroy had taken lead thru the front nine as the overnight leader Justin Harding fell behind with a triple bogey. Hence, Rory was looking all set to lift his third Dubai Desert Classic victory. However, Richard Bland and Viktor Hovland came in at the last moment and shared the lead with a score of -12.
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But since they had completed their round, Rory had the advantage of two holes. The Northern Irishman was on the 17th hole where his drive went way left into thick and dry bushes. But thankfully, he avoided a bogey and completed the hole with a par. However, Rory missed a golden opportunity, as it was one of the straightforward holes in the course.
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Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 9, 2021 Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy on the 17th hole during the second round REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Additionally, this errant tee shot affected him psychologically on the last hole as well. Rory decided to go with a 3-wood instead of a driver, which left him with around 267 yards off the pin location. Notably, there was water by the green, hence McIlroy had to decide whether to lay-up or go for the green.
McIlroy decided to go for the green and ended up in the water, which meant he had blown off his chance of winning the Dubai Desert Classic. However, a few people believed if he had layed up and played it safe, Rory would have at least secured a place in the playoffs. So let us have a look at what fans think about Rory’s decision to go for the green.
The golf world reacts to Rory going for the green on the 18th hole
The worst shot choice I’ve ever seen. With a lay up, the absolute worst he could’ve done was get into a play off or get up and down to win. Utter madness. 🤯🤯🤯
The armchair golf pros are out in force this morning. That’s never a layup from the fairway… all he had to do was hit it through the green. The layup shot is not easy…
Why would Rors go for the green in 2? Lay up. Chip on your third. Hope to make birdie putt you win. Worse par 3- way play off. That shot made no sense.
No reason to try that shit. Lay up to your favourite number and pitch on for a short birdie putt. Worst case scenario is par and a playoff. Pure idiocy.
Until he gets a decent strong caddy he won’t achieve as much as he should. If only he could manage a golf course for 72 holes he would clean up multiple victories including majors year after year. He gives the field too many cheap shots back
I feel his pain
Rory McIlroy finds the water on 18. #SlyncDDC | #RolexSeries
Does anyone squander more chances to win golf tournaments than Rory? (That was rhetorical. It’s Rory and it’s not even close.)
Rory McIlroy finds the water on 18. #SlyncDDC | #RolexSeries
I really am beginning to wonder if Rory has the patience to win another major
Rory McIlroy finds the water on 18. #SlyncDDC | #RolexSeries
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