Rory McIlroy admits overcoming tee-gate rival Patrick Reed in a thrilling back-nine tussle made his Dubai Desert Classic victory all the sweeter.
World no.1 McIlroy birdied the final two holes to hold off inspired LIV Golf rebel Reed and claim a dramatic victory at the Rolex Series event to make a dream start to 2023.
This weather-delayed Monday climax could hardly have been scripted better by DP World Tour chiefs as McIlroy's maligned American rival pushed him all the way in the desert.
The Northern Irishman saw his three-shot overnight advantage wiped away and he had to dig deep to see off the former Masters champion - who had taken the outright lead in stunning fashion with five birdies and an eagle inside his opening 13 holes.
Reed, playing one group ahead of the leaders, had set an 18-under target at the Majlis course and the birdie that McIlroy required to seal victory was in doubt as he was forced to lay-up on his par-5 72nd after narrowly avoiding the water hazard off the tee.
But with the duo looking destined for a tantalising play-off, McIlroy held his nerve to hole a clutch 15ft birdie putt and win by one shot. And McIlroy's courageous finish was a fitting finale to a chaotic week where his rivalry with Reed had intensified over a bitter pre-tournament spat.
McIlroy had a LIV-branded tee flicked in his direction by Reed after ignoring him on the driving range in the buid-up. He later explained that his decision to blank his former Ryder Cup rival came after he was served with a court subpoena by the player's lawyer on Christmas Eve.
"Mentally today, it was one of the toughest rounds I have had to play," McIlroy said, referring to the enthralling battle down the stretch with Reed.
"It would be really easy to let your emotions get in the way but I just had to concentrate on myself and forget who was up there on the leaderboard. I did that really well. I showed a lot of mental strength.
"I will enjoy this. It is sweeter than it possibly needs to be or should be. I still have stuff to work on but it is a really good foundation to work on."
McIlroy, who joined Ernie Els as a three-time Dubai Desert Classic winner, added: "It has been a battle all day, a battle all week.
"I feel I haven't had my best but I have managed my game and played really smart. I am ecstatic. There is tons of room for improvement but it's a great start to the year."
