Rory McIlroy Three-Putts from Two Feet As Victory Slips Away in Dubai

Tommy Fleetwood stormed to victory in the Dubai Invitational with a fantastic Sunday round of 67 to win by one.

Eyes were locked in on Rory McIlroy as he opened with a 62 to start the week and looked a clear favourite to win his first event of 2024, but he faltered yet again on a Sunday with a tumultuous collapse, including a three-putt from two feet. 

Remember this next time you’re beating yourself up over a missed putt

pic.twitter.com/jBBKD8ffur

— bunkered (@BunkeredOnline) January 14, 2024

Rory looked free-spirited during the start of the week and was not himself on Sunday, especially after he donated one of his tee shots to a watery grave on the 72^nd. His critics have pointed out his inability to get it done on a Sunday in the decade since his last major win, and he could silence some naysayers by converting one of these hot starts to a win.

As it is, Ryder Cup teammate Fleetwood birdied seventeen and eighteen to clinch the victory, something that has eluded him in the past, preventing a breakthrough win on the PGA Tour.

Birdie-birdie finish.@TommyFleetwood1 wins in Dubai! 🏆#DubaiInvitational pic.twitter.com/pVB4zVhJVE

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 14, 2024

A two-shot swing on the final hole was a great finish to the tournament, yet doesn’t bode well for Rory in his run up to Augusta.

Cover Image via PGA Tour