Northern Irishman triumphs by one shot in Desert Classic ‘Augusta is still a long way away, but it’s nice to get a win’
A piece of history for Rory McIlroy in Dubai. A mere 82 days will pass between the last putt dropping in for a record fourth Desert Classic success and his latest tilt at etching his name into golfing folklore at Augusta National.
When McIlroy starts the year in this form, it is impossible not to let thoughts drift towards the Masters. Victory there would make him just the sixth man in history to claim a career grand slam. McIlroy had to scrap for this win, which had looked improbable as he sat 10 from the lead after 36 holes.