Fitzpatrick Edges McIlroy

On the final day, a host of players were in contention, but it was Fitzpatrick who surged ahead with a flawless bogey-free 66 to set the clubhouse target at 18 under. McIlroy, sharing the lead early, briefly lost his advantage on the back nine before a spectacular 15-foot eagle on the 18th forced the play-off.

In the sudden-death hole, the par-five 18th proved decisive. McIlroy found the water with his tee shot, while Fitzpatrick’s approach left both players short of the green. McIlroy narrowly missed his par putt from the bunker, and Fitzpatrick executed a clutch up-and-down to secure the title—his first worldwide victory since October 2023 and his third DP World Tour Championship win.

Ryder Cup teammates Ludvig Åberg and Tommy Fleetwood finished in a share of third place alongside Laurie Canter and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. McIlroy’s runner-up finish, however, was enough to extend his lead in the Race to Dubai, earning him the Harry Vardon Trophy for a seventh time and bringing him within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Order of Merit titles.

The day’s action saw multiple leaders jostling for position. McIlroy started brilliantly with birdies on the first two holes and extended his lead with strong play on the par-five seventh. Fitzpatrick, playing just ahead of the Northern Irishman, capitalised with birdies on the 14th and 15th holes and eventually took the clubhouse lead with a closing birdie on 18.

McIlroy’s eagle on the final hole of regulation forced a play-off, while late charges from players like Neergaard-Petersen added to the drama. Ultimately, Fitzpatrick’s composure under pressure earned him a memorable win and a fitting climax to the 2025 DP World Tour season.

Looking ahead, the DP World Tour kicks off its new season at the BMW Australian PGA Championship in late November, with McIlroy returning to action the following week at the Crown Australian Open.