Lucas Herbert collected more than $800,000 after finishing just behind Rory McIlroy in his thrilling last-hole win in Dubai over bitter rival Patrick Reed and declared there’s better to come in 2023 with the Masters on his mind.
McIlroy made a snaking 18th hole birdie putt to win the Dubai Desert Classic by a single shot from Reed, avoiding a playoff that would have put the two in a head-to-head battle after a pre-tournaments incident on the driving range.
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Reed had called McIlroy an “immature little child” for ignoring his approach for a handshake on the driving range before the tournament. McIlroy responded by declaring the American wasn’t living in “reality” given his ongoing lawsuits against the PGA Tour, for which the Northern Irishman is the leading spokesperson against LIV Golf, the rebel tour of which Reed is a member.
Australian Herbert finished a further two shots behind Reed after a final round six-under 66, helping him rise to world No.53 as he eyes off a potential return to Augusta in April.
“It’s promising signs,” the 27-year-old said.
“It still feels like there’s some work to do and I can get better than what I produced this week, so that’s exciting.
“I felt like we were probably almost playing for second going into the day. It’s pretty hard to spot Rory five shots and try and chase him down to win a tournament.
“To finish third here in this quality field, I think it’s good signs ahead for 2023.”
McIlroy was pumped with his win and said he had to keep his emotions in check, knowing Reed was the man he had to beat following the pre-tournament stoush.
“I had to work really hard to forget about who was up there and just try to focus on myself,” he said.
“Mentally, today was probably one of the toughest rounds I have ever had to play because it would be really easy to let your emotions get in the way.
“I feel like I showed a lot of mental strength out there.”