🔗 Share this article

Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.

Play-Off Decider

This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Other Performances

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.