Matt Fitzpatrick got the better of Rory McIlroy at the DP World Tour Championship as he won their playoff in Dubai.
Fitzpatrick looked set to win the DP World Tour Championship in regulation, only for McIlroy to eagle the 72nd hole to force a playoff.
But the Northern Irishman struggled as Fitzpatrick parred the par-five 18th to win the final DP World Tour event of the season.
McIlroy did, however, finish top of the Race to Dubai rankings to secure the title for the seventh time in his career, one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record.
Matt Fitzpatrick suggests how every other golfer feels about Rory McIlroy
Fitzpatrick meanwhile clinched his 10th win on the DP World Tour, three of which have arrived at the DP World Tour Championship.
Sharing his feelings about heading back to the 18th tee for a playoff with McIlroy, the Englishman said in his winning speech: “A lot of nerves, that’s for sure.
“I know everyone knows the ability of Rory McIlroy. The shot that he hit into 18 in regulation, you just know full well he’s going to make that putt as well.
“So I was gearing myself up for a playoff and at least going down to start again, starting from scratch, you’ve just got to see what happens and go with it.
“Obviously it’s not the ideal way to end, I would assume he would say the same thing, it was a bit of a pillow fight there. But obviously it’s been a great week.”
And closing with a classy message for the runner-up, he said: “Rory, big congratulations again on everything you’ve achieved this year. It’s truly phenomenal and you deserve every success.”
Matt Fitzpatrick reacts to ‘special’ win as he matches Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm record
Like the champion, McIlroy sent a classy message to Fitzpatrick after their playoff, with the duo clearly enjoying a close friendship.
They play on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour together, and were only recently teammates at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
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But that friendship was put to one side on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, which Fitzpatrick also discussed after his win.
When asked what it is about the venue that he loves so much, he replied: “That’s a good question. I honestly don’t know. I just seem to play well here.
“The golf course is a fantastic golf course. It’s demanding of all aspects of your game, and I really feel that I enjoy playing it.
“I think that’s a big thing. I love coming back here to Dubai every year and playing this tournament. And obviously this one is another special one.”
Fitzpatrick also won the DP World Tour Championship in 2016 and 2020, and now represents one of three three-time winners.
This year’s runner-up McIlroy and LIV Golf star Jon Rahm have also won the season-ending tournament three times.
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