Herbert, third to McIlroy, last laughed at Reed in Dubai

World no.

McIlroy had a 4-under par final round of 68 at Emirates Golf Club on Monday to finish 19-under while world No. 89 Reed posted a 7-under 65.

The 33-year-old clinched the title for the third time and started a year with a win for the first time in his career.

Australia’s Lucas Herbert shot a six-under par 66 and finished third overall with 16, while his compatriots Min Woo Lee (68) finished with 11-under and Jason Scrivener (69) with five-under.

2020 winner and current world No. 66 Herbert lost seven birdies in the final round, with his only blemish on the par-4 12th.

Four-time major champion McIlroy overcame a charge from Reed to win a tense duel between players involved in a pre-tournament argument.

As McIlroy landed his winning putt, he clenched his fist, gritted his teeth and looked back at his caddy to celebrate a win that, given the context, would have meant more than many of his others.

“Mentally today was probably one of the toughest rounds I’ve ever had to play because it would be really easy to let your emotions guide you,” said the Northern Irishman. “And I really had to focus on myself and forget who was up there on the leaderboard. I feel like I’ve shown a lot of mental toughness out there.”