Hovland Wins Dubai Desert Classic in Playoff
Viktor Hovland edged Richard Bland in a playoff to win the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday in Dubai United Arab Emirates.
For Hovland, it is his third victory in five events at Emirates Golf Club.
“This is pretty wild, I didn’t really think this was possible going into today. I knew I had to shoot a real low number, but a lot of things had to go my way. I’m thankful that it did,” Hovland told Sky Sports after the round.
To get into the playoff, Hovland eagled the 17th hole and then birdied the 18th.
In the playoff against Bland, Hovland birdied the 18th hole again, while Bland made par, despite a great chip.
McIlroy Falls Apart
Rory McIlroy was tied for, or in the lead, for most of the day but he fell apart down the stretch.
Needing to play the final two holes (a drivable par 4, and par 5) in one-under par, McIlroy put his second shot on the 18th hole in the water.
He missed the par putt to lost the tournament.