Hero Dubai Desert Classic: Tyrrell Hatton beats Daniel Hillier as Rory McIlroy moves to fourth | Golf News

Tyrrell Hatton won the 2025 Dubai Desert Classic as Rory McIlroy came back to finish fourth in a thrilling final day on Sunday.

Hatton, who is likely to be part of Team Europe's Ryder Cup squad later this year, continued his strong form from last week's Team Cup to claim his first Rolex Series title since 2021.

The 33-year-old overcame a one-shot deficit to leader Daniel Hillier to win by one shot from 15 under in a thrilling finish.

“It feels great. I said earlier in the week that this is one of the events you want to add to your CV. It's a highlight on the DP World Tour,” said Hatton, who competes in the LIV Golf League.

He added: “Adding my name to the list of wonderful champions who came before me, and putting my name on this trophy is a dream come true.

“I was very nervous on the back nine. I think I wanted it too much. I knew the position I was in. I was a bit poor on the last but seeing that kick go in felt amazing. I'm very happy. Happy with the win.”

Hatton was unable to make any progress over the opening four holes as he and Hillier had a bogey and a birdie each.

The defining moment of the day came on the fifth hole when Hillier ended up in a rough tie and needed a few chips to get out of trouble. With his first shot, he touched the ball again during his swing but this was not counted as another shot, which Hatton was confused about.

“I actually thought I got the score wrong! I hit the ball twice and thought it was an extra shot and I was told before the 13th minute, and I said: 'Oh, I thought I was clear twice, not one,'” he said.

Hatton birdied his fifth, while Hillier made his second bogey of the day as the Englishman took the lead. Hillier rallied well with back-to-back birdies to start the back nine to get back to within one point, and then both players sparkled on the 12th.

Hillier holed out and birdied the final hole, forcing Hatton to par from nearly five feet, which he nailed to become the fifth English golfer to win the Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy is back in fourth place

McIlroy was unable to repeat the heroics he achieved last year by winning by 10 shots, as he settled in fourth place with Nikas Norgaard behind Hatton, Hillier and Lauri Kanter.

Having finished 2024 strong and won the Dubai Desert Classic a record four times, including the past two years, McIlroy's modest opening two days has proven costly.

His six-under 66 on Sunday was three shots better than his best round of the week and was enough to move from 12th to fourth, as he made five birdies on the back nine to finish just three shots back of Hatton.

“I left myself with a lot to do after three days,” said McIlroy, who recorded his 12th consecutive top-10 finish in the event. “I had opportunities and I was burning edges. I felt like I put in a pretty good position without anything happening.”

“I don't think I played any different than the last couple of days, I just hit a few balls and made some good shots when I had to.

“I feel like I've gradually improved as the week goes on, which bodes well for the next few weeks.”

McIlroy will next play on January 27 at TGL where his Boston Common Golf team will take on Jupiter Links, before heading to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am from January 30 to February 2 – with both events broadcast live. Sky Sports.

Get the best prices and book a tour on one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland

What's next for TGL?

TGL's next match will see New York Golf Club return to action on January 22 against Atlanta Drive GC (12am UK time), before Jupiter Links GC take on Rory McIlroy's Boston Common Golf on January 27 (11.30pm).

Los Angeles GC will next face off against Boston Common Golf on Wednesday, February 5 (kick-off at 2 a.m.), in each The 2025 and 2026 seasons are live exclusively on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and more now.

Get the best prices and book a tour on one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland