Tyrrell Hatton of England triumphed over New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier by one stroke to win the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday, matching Jon Rahm’s record of five Rolex Series victories.
Hillier, the leader going into the final round, birdied the last hole to put pressure on Hatton. However, Hatton remained calm and sank a crucial seven-foot par putt to secure his victory.
“It feels amazing,” Hatton said. “I said earlier in the week, this is one of the events that you would like to have on your CV. It’s such an iconic event for the DP World Tour. To add my name to the list of the amazing champions that have been before me, and to have my name on that trophy now, it’s a dream come true.”
The Rolex Series includes a select group of events each season with higher-than-usual prize money. Hatton had not won one of these events since his victory in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
In the final round, Hatton shot a 3-under 69, finishing at 15-under overall. He narrowly beat Hillier (71) and fellow Englishman Laurie Canter (68), who took third, a stroke behind.
“I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous on the back nine to be honest,” Hatton admitted. “I guess I just maybe wanted it a bit too much. I knew the position I was in, and a little bit scruffy down the last. But yeah, to see that putt go in felt amazing. Just so happy to win.”
Hillier, ranked 223rd in the world, was aiming for his first win on the European Tour since his maiden victory at the British Masters in July 2023. He had not finished in the top-10 since the Open de España in October 2023.
“It’s bittersweet, that’s for sure,” Hillier said. “Yeah, I didn’t have my best today, obviously, but I fought hard all day, just barely gave myself a chance down the stretch. Hats off to Tyrrell. He was pretty solid down the stretch there. He’s class. Well done to him.”
Rory McIlroy (66), who was hoping to win his third consecutive title at this event, finished tied for fourth at 12-under, alongside Niklas Norgaard (66) from Denmark.
Keita Nakajima from Japan also made an impression, finishing tied for 21st, and capped his round with an albatross on the par-five 18th hole.
