Aaron Rai eventually won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday after beating Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff hole.
Rai had a one-shot lead over Fleetwood heading into the final round, but they both finished on 25 under par.
The pair held off competition from Rory McIlroy and Nicolai Hojgaard at Yas Links to make it to a two-way playoff.
In the extra hole, Rai made an impressive birdie to better Fleetwood’s par and win the Abu Dhabi Championship trophy.
Shortly after rolling in the winning putt, Rai complimented Fleetwood as both a golfer and a person.
Aaron Rai reflects on ‘really special’ battle with Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood has developed into a clutch performer this season, so he was certainly the favorite to win the playoff in Abu Dhabi.
However, Rai previously beat him in a playoff at the Scottish Open in 2020 and seemed to use that experience to his advantage.
The 30-year-old defeated Fleetwood once again, but he still had some nice words for his opponent after the event.
“It’s hard to sum up,” Rai reflected. “You are so focused on playing the round, just trying to stay in the zone, that it’s hard to put into words how this feels or how I’ll reflect on it.
“It’s amazing to be standing here. Tommy is a phenomenal player; he is an even better player than he is a person, and that says a lot.
“To play with him the last two days and to be out there with him was really special as well, so amazing to be here.”
Aaron Rai’s final-round blunder almost cost him the Abu Dhabi Championship
Rai made a significant mistake on the 14th hole during the final round that almost cost him the victory in Abu Dhabi.
He three-putted on the 14th green, missing from inside three feet, which resulted in an ill-timed bogey.
Rai thanked his caddie, Jason Timmis, for not allowing him to be bogged down by his surprising mistake.
“My caddie, Jason, was great, walking down the 15th,” he said. “It was a shock to the system, missing a short putt on 14.
“He was great, telling me to stay present and just focusing on the next shots and trying to finish strong. I made a good up and down on 15, which helped.
“I made a nice putt, which gave me some confidence moving forward. And it was nice to finish strong on the final three holes as well.”
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
