In addition to winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and his first Rolex Series championship, Rory McIlroy also topped the European Ryder Cup qualification standings by sinking a crucial birdie putt on the last hole.
The six-time Ryder Cup Europe participant finished one stroke ahead of his American counterpart Patrick Reed on the 18th hole and moved up two spots on the European Points List and one spot on the World Points List to take the lead on both qualification paths.
McIlroy now holds the top slot on the European Points List and will qualify via that list with 1,856.50 points. The American’s birdie at 18 mirrored McIlroy’s birdie at 17, and the Northern Irishman knew he would need a birdie to win the competition for a third time. It had been a fight all day with Reed.
It appeared that the championship could go either way when the World Number One’s drive down the last concluded inches from a water hazard.
But a strong up-and-down from 92 yards was enough to secure the victory by one stroke and enhance McIlroy’s position on the European and World Points Lists as he pursues a seventh consecutive Ryder Cup appearance.
It means a lot, according to McIlroy. I found it amusing when (caddie) Harry told me, “Finally, we receive a gold bib. Of course, I’ve never taken home one of these major prizes.
“The whole day was a battle. It has truly been a struggle all week. I feel like I haven’t been at my best this week, but I just played really wisely and managed my game quite well.”
“I think I put in a lot of mental toughness today, which is something I can really improve on the remainder of the year.”
“There have been a lot of good things this week, but there have also been some things that I need to attempt to improve on and learn from. This is definitely sweeter than it needs to be, but I still feel like there is work to be done. It’s a fantastic way to start the year and a great place to start.” said Mcllroy.
One of the major topics in the first few months of 2023 has been Jon Rahm’s recent rampage, especially because it didn’t lead to his regaining the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. Golf enthusiasts and Rahm himself haven’t appeared very happy with it. However, if the Spaniard had defeated Rory McIlroy, McIlroy would have had cause for dissatisfaction.
McIlroy took a break as Rahm triumphed in his opening two PGA Tour starts of the year. But on Monday, his 2023 debut in Dubai came to a conclusion with a victory, reminding everyone just what a roll he’s been on as well.
Currently, Viktor Hovland (56.33 points), Alex Noren (47.53 points), and Shane Lowry (45.18 points) hold the top three spots on the world points list, while Rory McIlroy (1,856.00 points), Jon Rahm (1,850.00 points), and Victor Perez (1,216. points) would claim the three qualifying spots on the European Points List.
The 2023 Ryder Cup will be held at Rome, Italy’s Marco Simone Golf & Country Club from September 25 to October 1
