Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood fell short of the £1.1 million first prize as Aaron Rai emerged victorious in a thrilling play-off at the Abu Dhabi Championship. The competition marked the first of the two DP World Tour Play-off events, signaling the climax of the Race to Dubai.
European Ryder Cup stars showcased their skills at Yas Links, with Fleetwood narrowly missing out in the play-off and McIlroy securing a joint third-place finish. The tournament’s Play-off status led to an increase in prize money, with a total purse of nearly £7 million up for grabs.
Fleetwood took home just over £750,000, while McIlroy shared £752,000 with Nicolai Højgaard for finishing third and fourth respectively. McIlroy, trailing Rai by six shots before the final round, delivered a remarkable 62 to propel himself back into contention, although it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Following McIlroy’s impressive 24-under finish, Fleetwood and Rai both made crucial putts on the 17th hole to head into the final tied at 25 under. Rai missed a birdie putt to win on the 18th, leading to a thrilling play-off.
In the playoff, both golfers had birdie opportunities. Rai, closer to the hole, sunk his putt after Fleetwood missed his, claiming the top prize. Rai expressed his emotions after the win, highlighting the intense focus during the round and the joy of the victory.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment where he missed a short putt, Rai credited his caddie for providing crucial support and guidance. The Race to Dubai will culminate with the DP World Tour Championship commencing on November 13.
