Victor Perez won his third DP World Tour title thanks to the “probably the best shot I’ve ever hit”, on Sunday’s 17 th hole of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The Frenchman started the final round at Yas Links Abu Dhabi a bit slower than the pace but joined the mix thanks to consecutive birdies on both Nos. 1, 2, and 7. 6 and 7 to gain a two-shot lead. Sebastian Soderberg and Min Woo Lee kept the pressure up, and after a three putt bogey at No. 14 Perez took back his lead with a birdie at the 15 _.
Perez made the shot of the day at the par-3 17 th. He was able to make a crucial late birdie out of the bunker and take a two-shot lead to 18 th.
Victor Perez’s amazing bunker shot today with French commentary
via @GolfCanalPlus #ADGolfChamps | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/Ji5wi0VhKf
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour January 22, 2023
Perez made a late birdie on the 18 th to earn a 6-under-66 score and a one-shot victory at 18 under over Lee (68), and Soderberg (66) Padraig Harrington, an older player on the Champions tour finished fourth at 16-under, with Francesco Molinari at 14 under and Alex Noren at T-5 at 14. Sami Valimaki finished inside the top 10 with a course record of 10-under 62.
Perez is now in prime position for the European Ryder Cup team, which will be heading to Italy for the biennial bout in the fall. Perez is currently second on The European Points list.
Perez said, “It’s an exciting year ahead,” and also became the first French winner in a Rolex Series event. There are many big things ahead. It’s been a great off-season. I have worked hard and it’s been amazing.
Next week, the DP World Tour will host its third consecutive event in the Middle East with the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. It will take place Jan 26-29.
