Matt Fitzpatrick delivered a spectacular end to the 2025 DP World Tour season, defeating Rory McIlroy in a tense play-off to claim his third DP World Tour Championship and seal one of the most impressive comebacks of his career.
Starting the final round one shot behind, Fitzpatrick surged into contention with three birdies in his first five holes. Maintaining total control, he compiled a bogey-free 66 to post a challenging target of 18 under par. The drama peaked when McIlroy produced the eagle he needed on the 18th to force a play-off, only for his tee shot at the first extra hole to find the penalty area. Fitzpatrick made no mistake, saving par with composure to clinch the title.
“It Means the World”: Fitzpatrick Reflects on Resilience
Following his victory, Fitzpatrick opened up about a season that demanded patience and perseverance.
It means the world: I struggled at the start of this year, obviously, and to turn it around in the summer like I did and have a Ryder Cup like I did… it’s hard to top given everything. But the way that I played today, I feel like I really didn’t hit one bad shot all day.
He credited his support system, adding: “Everyone on the team has come together, and I couldn’t be happier. In that down period, I had the support of my wife and my friends and family, and to turn it around and be here now is very special.”
McIlroy’s Season of Achievement
Though denied the title in the play-off, McIlroy’s season remained extraordinary. His performance in Dubai secured a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy after a year in which he completed the career Grand Slam with a Masters win, triumphed at the Amgen Irish Open, and played a vital role in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black. He has now topped the Race to Dubai standings for four consecutive seasons, placing him just one short of Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record.
Chasers Shine in the Desert
Dubai residents Tommy Fleetwood and Laurie Canter closed their week strongly, finishing at 17 under par alongside Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. The quartet showcased the depth and competitive fire at the top of the modern DP World Tour.
A Season Rebuilt, One Week at a Time
Fitzpatrick’s pathway to Dubai success was shaped by steady improvement after a difficult start to the year. He rebuilt momentum with a top-ten at the US PGA Championship, followed by consecutive fourth-place finishes at the Genesis Scottish Open and The 153rd Open.
Strong showings at the Betfred British Masters, Omega European Masters, and BMW PGA Championship reaffirmed his form, leading into his crucial contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory. Arriving in Dubai, he posted rounds of 69 on Thursday and Friday before a Saturday 66 moved him to within one shot of the lead. His final-round birdies at the second, fourth, fifth, 14th, 15th, and 18th ensured he stayed firmly in the hunt before securing the title in the play-off.
