Tyrrell Hatton’s return to the DP World Tour ended perfectly on Sunday, after the LIV Golf star got his hands on the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.
Hatton carded an impressive three-under-par 69 in Sunday’s final round to get to 15-under and chase down overnight leader Daniel Hillier. The Englishman’s efforts saw him stretch away from the rest of pack in the fourth round, eventually finishing the week one shot clear of runner-up Hillier and Laurie Canter.
Having gone into the final round one shot behind 54-hole leader Hillier, the LIV member’s Sunday got off to the worst possible start, after making a frustrating bogey at the first hole.
Fortunately for Hatton, Hillier also dropped a shot, and soon after the five-time Rolex Series winner made his move. He was quick to bounce back at the driveable par-four second, finding the green with his tee shot, before a tidy two-putt ensured he made birdie to cancel out his blemish at the first.
Two steady pars at the third and fourth followed, before the Englishman quickly cemented his spot at the top of the leaderboard. He ignited his round, hitting two impressive approach shots at the fifth and sixth to make back-to-back birdies and move his name above the rest.
Three more pars then followed, to ensure he went out in 33 to leave him two-clear of the chasing Hillier. Keen to regain his lead, the New Zealander then made a birdie at the par-five 10th, however he was then matched by his playing partner Hatton to make sure the lead remained two.
One hole later however, Hillier showed he was not going anywhere, hitting a superb tee shot at the par-three 11th inside five-feet before making a second-straight birdie. This time around Hatton was unable to match the man chasing him down, meaning he was lead was cut to one after making par.
Both players then found themselves in trouble after wayward approaches at the 12th, but luckily for Hatton his bogey was followed by Hillier to ensure he stayed ahead with six to play. There was more trading to follow at the par-five 13th, as Hillier failed to convert a birdie putt at both range to ensure Hatton kept himself just ahead after making par.
The pair continued to trade pars, which of course worked in Hatton’s favour, before the Englishman soon showed why he was one of the most in-form players in the world at the par-four 16th. A perfect tee shot down the middle was followed by another superb approach, allowing Hatton to tap in for birdie move two ahead with two to play.
The leading pair then both made par at the 17th, before Hillier made a key birdie at 18. Needing to make par for victory though, Hatton kept his cool to secure a one-shot win. There was added importance to Hatton’s Rolex Series win too, with the Englishman earning some much-needed points in Ryder Cup qualification.
His opportunities to earn points will be limited this year due to his LIV loyalties, but taking advantage in Dubai this week will only help his chances of making Luke Donald’s team.
Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories
