How to begin 2024 with the DP World Tour.
This week, the European circuit returned to action at Dubai Creek Resort, with the 2024 Dubai Invitational. The event featured 60 players and was a field-wide no-cut tournament. On Sunday, the winner would be decided by a three-way battle.
Thriston Lawrence, the four-time major champion, took the clubhouse leader at 18 under after a bogey free 7-under 64 during the final round. However, it was Rory McIlroy’s (67) five birdies on his final eight-holes that gave him the advantage. On the 18th hole, the four-time major winner was one shot ahead of Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood. He then rubbed his tee-shot in the water to the left of the fairway and made a costly bogey. This tied him at 18 under with Lawrence. Fleetwood birdied his last hole, just as he had done on the 17th. He won the tournament at 19 under.
This is his seventh victory on the DP World Tour, and the first since 2022’s Nedbank Golf Challenge.
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Birdie-birdie finish.@TommyFleetwood1 wins in Dubai! #DubaiInvitational pic.twitter.com/pVB4zVhJVE
— DP World Tour 14 January 2024
It’s a great feeling, the winning is awesome, and this week has been really fun. Fleetwood said that he felt like he played better every day. Fleetwood said, “I had a fantastic day yesterday and today, playing with Rory, coming down to the final stretch and trying win a tournament was really cool.”
It’s very special to play with a friend, who is one of the top players in the World. “Rory has been an extremely supportive influence for me in the past. Not because I was him, but rather, we were close,” he said. “I’ve seen him do incredible things in the final stages of golf tournaments and today was my time.”
McIlroy described his first start for the year as “really positive” despite the disappointing end after starting with a 9 under 62.
McIlroy said, “I think that first week back, you’re probably going to expect some sloppy errors, and unfortunately, these mistakes came at the worst time today”, referring to his water ball from the 18th tee. “But, you know, I will reflect on it and take lessons from today. There’s still some good stuff there.” Just need to clean up some edges and I’ll feel great going into the next week.
The DP World Tour will stay in the UAE another week, with the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic taking place at Emirates Golf Club from January 18-21.
