Magnificent Morikawa makes history in Dubai
Colin Morikawa became the first American number one in Europe after he claimed his first Rolex Series title at the 2021 DP World Tour Championship.
The 24 year old birdied five of his last seven holes, which snatched the Championship from the over night leader and a fading Rory McIlroy.
The Open Champion put together a superb bogey free round of 66 that gave him a three shot victory at 17 under, with Alexander Bjork and Matt Fitzpatrick tied in second.
Fitzpatrick, who came into the week with an outside chance of winning the Race to Dubai title, took the lead momentarily as he birdied the 15th hole.
Scotland’s Robert McIntyre finished the tournament in a well fought tie for fourth, with Nicolai Hojgaard, which saw him climb eight places in the Race to Dubai to give him an impressive top 10 finish.
A visibly frustrated McIlroy finished in a tie for sixth as he put together a disappointing round of 74 where he bogeyed three of his last four holes.
The Northern Irishman disappointed looked to have boiled over as he was spotted with a ripped shirt in the recording area behind the 18th green.
This was Morikawa’s four European Tour victory in just 17 events, which added to an already impress year for the Californian which saw him win The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup.
