Matt Fitzpatrick points out what is so rare about Rory McIlroy after beating him in a playoff in Dubai

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Matt Fitzpatrick held off Rory McIlroy in a playoff to win the DP World Tour Championship and cap a remarkable return to form.

Fitzpatrick had struggled for some time in 2024 but 2025 has seen him find an element of form again and his win over McIlroy in Dubai was the icing on the cake.

The Sheffield-born former US Open winner needed only to make par on the first playoff hole as McIlroy struggled to a bogey after finding water and then the bunker.

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However, with the two good friends from the Ryder Cup, Fitzpatrick was never going to have anything negative to say about McIlroy and after winning out, he praised the grand slam champion.

Matt Fitzpatrick praises Rory McIlroy after winning the DP World Tour Championship

Both these golfers ooze class and both have been there and done it at the highest level as well.

As we know, McIlroy is the superstar in terms of European golf, while Fitzpatrick generally goes about his business with minimal fuss.

And speaking after his win, Fitzpatrick ensured he paid tribute to McIlroy and pointed out just what is so rare about the Northern Irishman.

“It means the world. I struggled at the start of this year, obviously, and to turn it round this summer and have a Ryder Cup like I did. The Ryder Cup I feel like it’s hard to top, but the way that I played today, I feel like I only really hit one bad shot all day,” Fitzpatrick commented.

“I am so proud of myself. The effort everyone in my team puts in and behind the scenes. What a feeling!

“I had not been hitting it amazing all week. I really hit it well yesterday and I hit it well today. Dan was insistent on just being patient and letting the putts come. Nothing was really going my way but I managed to roll a couple in late and get myself in position.”

Speaking specifically on seeing McIlroy come up 18 with a chance of forcing a playoff, Fitzpatrick admitted he knew what was coming.

“Of course you do. He’s one of the only few where you know you are going to a playoff. You are two clear with one to play and you know you are going to a playoff. In typical Rory fashion he did it again and you never like to see the way it ends, but obviously delighted.”

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Matt Fitzpatrick’s 2025 season on the PGA Tour

Winning the DP World Tour Championship in the same year as being part of a winning Ryder Cup team means Matt Fitzpatrick can hold his head more than high for 2025.

As ‘Fitzy’ says, he had a poor start to 2025 but found something in his game midway through the year and hasn’t looked back.

He had four top ten finishes in a row towards the back end of the season, with one of them an impressive T4 at The Open.

Now, going into 2026, Fitzpatrick will very much feel his game is back to a place that can contend for majors and he’ll no doubt fancy his chances.