Tyrrell Hatton Clinches Dubai Desert Classic Title by One Shot

Cataleya

January 20, 2025 · 1 min read

Tyrrell Hatton Clinches Dubai Desert Classic Title by One Shot
Other Sports | January 20, 2025
Tyrrell Hatton trailed the leader by six shots after the first round. (Image: Getty)

Tyrrell Hatton held his nerve on the final hole to claim victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, edging out Daniel Hillier by one shot. Hatton, who entered the 18th hole with a two-shot lead, saw Hillier birdie the hole to cut the gap leaving Hatton with a challenging par putt to secure the win. The Englishman successfully converted the putt, finishing with a three-under 69 and a total of 15-under par to win his eighth DP Tour title and move to the top of the Race to Dubai standings.

Hatton admitted to feeling nervous on the back nine and struggled a bit at the last hole, but expressed how special it was to win at an event he had longed to add to his resume. “It feels amazing,” he said, reflecting on his triumph and the prestigious list of champions the tournament has seen.

Both Hatton and Hillier began the day with a dropped shot at the opening hole, but Hatton quickly regained his composure with a birdie on the second and additional shots on the fifth and sixth holes to take control. Hillier stayed within reach with birdies on the 10th and 11th but a bogey on the 12th and a birdie from Hatton at the 16th allowed the Englishman to maintain his advantage.

Hillier’s one-under 71 left him at 14-under par, one shot clear of England’s Laurie Canter. Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner of the event, made a late charge with five birdies on the back nine to finish with a 66, securing a spot just behind Hatton and Hillier in the standings.