DUBAI // When a beaming Matthew Fitzpatrick made his way through a receiving line of family, caddies, playing partners, agents, and some of the world’s best golfers after winning at the Earth Course, his smile was matched by that of his vanquished rival.
Tyrrell Hatton was denied the DP World Tour Championship in agonising fashion on the final afternoon.
Playing in the second to last group, and one ahead of Fitzpatrick, Hatton had held a one-shot lead going up the last.
Related:
• Henrik Stenson: British Open champion, Olympic silver medallist and now winner of another Race to Dubai
• Matthew Fitzpatrick: DP World Tour Championship winner and €1.23m richer but 'not in any rush' to leave parents house
Then he dunked his tee-shot into the creek in the centre of the 18th fairway, saw his putt to save par graze the hole, and so opened the door.
Fitzpatrick seized the chance with an assuredness that belies his youth, as he made a nerveless birdie, to reach 17-under par, to win the tournament by a stroke.
“It is a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s been a great week, and for me it’s been the best year of my life,” Hatton said.
“I can’t get too downbeat. These things happen. It is what it is and I’m happy with how the week went. I’m sure hopefully in the future, I’ll take my next chance.”
Most of the final day drama was of Hatton’s making. At the par-three 17th, he found a treacherous lie in the greenside bunker. He was only able to advance that slightly forward in the sand, yet stunningly holed his escape for par.
“I just wanted to get it close, make four and walk off,” Hatton said. “It went in, and I probably produced the worst fist pump for a shot that’s gone in.”
Fitzpatrick was grateful for Hatton’s magnanimity. “Tyrrell is a great lad,” the champion said. “He said congratulations. For someone to do that after he has been in contention is very special. He’s a credit to the tour.”
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
