Hovland wins Dubai Desert Classic play-off

Viktor Hovland emerged the winner at the just concluded Dubai Desert Classic after beating Richard Bland in a play-off, as both men finished the 18th at 12 under. Viktor eventually won the second round of the play-off with a birdie. Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy came third, after failing to make it a three-man play-off, finishing 11 under instead. Despite the loss, McIlory moved up the OWGR to number six while Hovland is the new world number three.

Hovland began the day six shots behind overnight leader Justin Harding. McIlory had trouble from the start, after bogeying the first hole and missing birdie chances at the 2nd and 3rd. He was able to rescue himself with a 20-foot birdie at the sixth, which saw him close to the lead. After the seventh, he was tied at the lead with Harding and Adrian Meronk.

At the 11th, McIlroy had the sole lead after the other two men had committed a series of blunders. By this time, Bland was already catching up with him, with three-straight birdies from the 12th. Hovland also caught up with this point, to play the last three holes in four under, which included an eagle at the 17th and a birdie at the 18th. Bland also executed a birdie at 17th and arrived at the last hole tied at 12 under with Hovland. A bogey at the 18th prevented McIlory from joining the two men at the play-off. Harding finished fourth at 8 under tied with Sam Horsfield.

Both Hovland and Bland returned to the 18th to finish things off. The first round went well, forcing a second. It was then that Bland fumbled the chance for a seven-foot birdie. This allowed Hovland to settle it with a birdie, winning the competition.

The victory would mark his third win in five starts as he continues to dominate the game.

Written by: Leon Osamor