Patrick Reed plays even par final but still wins Hero Dubai Desert Classic by four shots

Dubai, Jan 25: Patrick Reed had a couple of moments of stress as his lead of four came down to two, but he still managed to produce a controlled final round to claim the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Three years after finishing runner-up at the same event in 2023, he sealed a memorable week at Emirates Golf Club with a four-shot victory over one a very strong field.

The 2018 Masters champion did not need fireworks on Sunday. An even-par 72 was more than enough as Reed never gave up his lead. He began with a four-shot lead and ended with the same finishing at 14-under-par for the week.

He signed off with a tap-in par as overcast skies hovered above the Majlis Course, with rain arriving shortly after the conclusion of play.

While the closing day began steadily rather than spectacularly, Reed's composure ensured there were no late challenges. His margin at the top briefly came down to two as David Puig made a charge. Then Puig collapsed on the back nine and Reed was never troubled.

The battle behind him was far more intense. England's Andy Sullivan closed with a birdie for a 71 to secure sole second place, while France's Julien Guerrier carded a 69 to finish third.

Spaniard David Puig, who appeared poised to mount a charge on the back nine, unravelled between the 11th and 15th holes with three bogeys, before a closing double bogey dropped him into a tie for seventh. The double bogey included a two-shot penalty for grounding his club in a bunker.

Four-time champion Rory McIlroy endured a difficult week by his lofty standards. A final-round 73 left him tied 33rd, marking his first finish outside the top 10 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic since 2008.

Reed's victory was the culmination of consistent scoring. After opening with a 3-under 69, he surged into the lead at halfway with a superb 66. He extended his advantage on Moving Day and maintained it on Sunday to add the iconic Dubai title to his resume. The 35-year-old Texan had come close before, finishing runner-up in 2023 and tied 10th last year, and has often spoken of his fondness for the event.

The trophy presentation featured His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, alongside Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp.

Reed also collected a winner's cheque of $1.53 million, with the runner-up earning $990,000.

The 2026 field was headlined by McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory in 2025. The line-up featured a host of Major champions, Ryder Cup stars and multiple PGA and DP World Tour winners, reinforcing the tournament's status as the first major global golf event of the calendar year.

In addition to Reed and McIlroy, the field included Major winners Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry, Francesco Molinari and reigning FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood, with Viktor Hovland also among past FedEx Cup winners competing in Dubai.