Rory McIlroy has posted on social media after finishing tied for second at the Dubai Invitational on Sunday, with the Northern Irishman sending a message to Tommy Fleetwood after a dramatic end to the tournament.
Rory McIlroy missed out on his 38th professional win after finding water on the 18th hole in the final round at Dubai Creek Resort.
McIlroy began the final round one shot behind Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood. But the pair were not initially able to get away from the rest of the field.
Rory McIlroy reacts after tied-second place finish in Dubai
McIlroy produced some early brilliance. However, he made some big mistakes, finding water with one four iron on the front nine.
The four-time major champion did step his game up on the back nine. However, he three-putted from close range on the 14th hole.
And on the 18th tee, McIlroy ended up hooking his drive into the water. That left the door open for Fleetwood, who was left with a tricky 10 foot putt to win the tournament.
Fleetwood was up to the task as McIlroy made a bogey. It was the Englishman’s first win in well over a year.
And following the tournament, McIlroy has taken to Instagram to congratulate the 32-year-old…
Promising signs
McIlroy will be disappointed with some of his most erratic shots. And his putting proved to be fairly hit and miss in the final round.
But for an opening tournament of the season, he will be fairly pleased. There were definitely signs that he is poised to find something like his best form this season.
Of course, one of his main aims will be finally winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam.
As he suggested, there are a few things for McIlroy to work on over the coming weeks. However, the early signs are looking very positive after his first tournament of the year.
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