Dubai Invitational: Rory McIlroy is defeated

Rory McIlroy gained the lead at the 15th hole, but Tommy Fleetwood made birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to reclaim the lead and win the Dubai Invitational. McIlroy hooked his drive into the water on the 18th hole, causing a bogey.

McIlroy's five birdies on the back nine turned the tide in his favour, and he led by one going into the last hole.

Fleetwood stated:

"It was just up and down towards the end. Sloppy bogey on 16th. But birdie, birdie on 17 and 18.

"I was playing very well, I was hitting very solid. I felt very controlled in my game and it was just a case of staying patient.

"It feels amazing winning. I obviously don't win as much as I would like to.

"This is where I live and I have a lot of support and it is great to kick off the year with a good result and push on from here."

Rory:

"For a first week back out it was a really positive week,"

"I am looking back on today - I had a tee shot in the water on the front nine, had the three putt, then the water ball on the last.

"First week back out, I think you have to expect some of those sloppy mistakes. Unfortunately for me, some of those mistakes came at the wrong time.

"I will reflect on it and learn from today and there is still a lot of good stuff in there, I just need to tidy up some of the edges."

WITB Tommy Fleetwood:

Qi10 LS Driver (9.0°)

BRNR Mini Driver (13.5°)

Qi10 5-wood (18.0°)

P·7TW Irons (3-PW)

Hi-Toe 3 Wedge (52°)

TP5x pix Golf Ball