Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win

McIlroy finished the event on Monday for the first time ever, and it was well worth the wait. He birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to earn a final score of 68 and finish 19 under par, one stroke ahead of Reed.McIlroy was not to be denied a hard-fought victory, as he holed from 15 feet on the last to secure his position as the world's top player. Reed, who was playing in the group ahead of McIlroy, had also birdied the 18th to complete a fantastic 65 and set the clubhouse goal.It means a lot, according to McIlroy. It has been a struggle all week, and it was a battle all day. My performance this week hasn't been at its greatest, but I just controlled my game so effectively and performed quite well.There is a tonne of potential for growth, but it's a terrific start to the year. I'm just thrilled that I gave myself a chance the first week back out.After being ignored by McIlroy on the practise range, Reed chucked a tee in his direction and the two exchanged barbs the rest of the week.Although Reed's attorney served McIlroy with a subpoena on Christmas Eve in connection with a different action brought by Larry Klayman, McIlroy said he had not seen the tee and was unimpressed. Reed is suing many media outlets and individuals for slander.It was mentally one of the toughest rounds I've ever had to play because it would be so easy to let your emotions get in the way. I had to really concentrate on focusing on myself and forget who was in the lead, and I did that really, very well.Reed started the day four strokes off the lead but made eagles on holes two and three before holing out of a bunker on the sixth to reduce the deficit to one shot.After eight consecutive pars, McIlroy made a much-needed birdie on the ninth hole to temporarily increase his advantage. Reed then almost holed his second shot to the par-five 10th hole for an albatross.

Although McIlroy two-putted the same hole for a birdie, Reed also birdied the 11th to come back on level ground after his tap-in eagle gave him a share of the lead.In an echo of their memorable Ryder Cup singles match from 2016, McIlroy responded with a masterful approach shot to the same hole and tapped in for a birdie after coming within inches of an eagle from 18 feet on the par-five 13th. Reed's fifth birdie of the day moved him into the outright lead for the first time.Reed regained the lead after McIlroy's bogey on the 15th, but the American immediately dropped a stroke on the 16th after an errant drive, and McIlroy took full advantage with a birdie on the 17th.McIlroy reached his ball on the 18th hole just as Reed two-putted for a birdie to tie him for the lead after his drive stopped a foot short of the water.After being effectively forced to lay up, McIlroy struck a wedge shot to 15 feet left of the hole, rolled the ball in, and let out a yell of relief and joy.