DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Tyrrell Hatton from England secured a thrilling victory in the Dubai Desert Classic, edging out New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier by a single stroke on Sunday. With this triumph, Hatton matched Jon Rahm’s remarkable record of five Rolex Series wins.
As the overnight leader, Hillier applied pressure by sinking a birdie on the final hole. However, Hatton remained composed, successfully making a seven-foot par putt that ensured his victory.
“It feels incredible,” Hatton expressed after his win. “I mentioned earlier this week that this is an event I dream of adding to my resume. It holds such significance on the DP World Tour. Being able to add my name next to the legendary champions who have come before me and now having my name engraved on that trophy is truly a dream come true.”
The Rolex Series features several tournaments each season with high-stakes prize money. Hatton’s victory marks his first win in such an event since his triumph at the Abu Dhabi Championship in 2021.
In the final round, Hatton delivered a solid performance, scoring 3-under 69, which brought his overall total to 15 under. This score was just enough to hold off Hillier, who finished with a 71, while Laurie Canter, another English golfer, took third place with a score of 68.
Hatton admitted to feeling tension during the final stretch of the game. “Honestly, I was quite nervous on the back nine. Perhaps I wanted it too much. I was aware of my standing, and it got a bit rocky towards the end. However, seeing that putt roll in was an incredible feeling. I am just so thrilled to have won,” he said.
Twenty-six-year-old Hillier, currently ranked 223rd in the world, was in pursuit of his second win on the European Tour, following his initial victory at the British Masters in July 2023. His last top-10 finish occurred at the Open de España in October 2023.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, no doubt,” Hillier reflected. “I didn’t play my best today, but I fought hard throughout the day and nearly gave myself a shot at winning towards the end. I have to give credit to Tyrrell; he played exceptionally well in those crucial moments. He’s a class act—congratulations to him.”
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, aiming for a third consecutive title at this tournament, finished tied for fourth with a score of 12 under, carding a 66 on the final day. Danish golfer Niklas Norgaard also shot a 66 to join him in that position.
Additionally, Japan’s Keita Nakajima, who tied for 21st, concluded his round with an impressive albatross at the par-five 18th hole.
