Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood fell short of the £1.1 million top prize at the Abu Dhabi Championship, with Aaron Rai emerging victorious in a thrilling playoff. The first of the two DP World Tour Playoff events has concluded as the Race to Dubai nears its conclusion.
At Yas Links, two European Ryder Cup stars, Fleetwood and McIlroy, showcased their skills, with Fleetwood narrowly missing out in the playoff and McIlroy securing a tie for third place. This tournament, designated as a Playoff event, saw the prize money significantly increased, with a total purse of nearly £7 million up for grabs.
Fleetwood received just over £750,000 for his efforts, while McIlroy claimed a portion of the £752,000 prize money, sharing the third and fourth place rewards with Nicolai Højgaard. Despite starting the final round six shots behind the leader, Rai, McIlroy’s impressive round of 62 propelled him back into contention, although it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
After finishing at 24 under, McIlroy, Fleetwood, and Rai found themselves tied at 25 under after sinking crucial putts on the 17th hole. In the playoff, Rai clinched the win with a birdie putt after Fleetwood could only manage a par, sealing the top prize.
Reflecting on his victory, Rai expressed his emotions, stating, “It’s difficult to put into words. I was entirely focused on my game, trying to maintain my concentration.” He praised Fleetwood, remarking on the privilege of playing alongside him and commending his skills both on and off the course.
Addressing a moment of uncertainty during the competition, Rai credited his caddie for his support, guiding him to stay focused and finish strongly after a setback. The Race to Dubai will culminate with the DP World Tour Championship, commencing on November 13.