McIlroy Claims 4th Straight Race to Dubai Title in Playoff Loss to Matt Fitzpatrick

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Matt Fitzpatrick clinched the DP World Tour Championship with a par on the first playoff hole against Rory McIlroy. Fitzpatrick, birdied the 18th hole in regular play for a 6-under 66. McIlroy, needing an eagle to tie, delivered a 15-foot putt to force a playoff. In the playoff, McIlroy drove into a creek and made a bogey, handing the victory to Fitzpatrick. McIlroy had previously won three playoffs this year at the Masters, The Players Championship, and Irish Open. Fitpatrick’s win at the season finale was his third. Despite the loss, McIlroy celebrated his seventh time as Europe’s top player, one shy of the record held by Colin Montgomerie.