Rory McIlroy Scores First Win of 2015 in Dubai
by Maura Hutchinson
Armed with the new Nike Vapor Pro, McIlroy led the field in driving distance, averaging 317.9 yards. A feat that more than helped the Nike player as he cruised to his first victory of 2015, 3-strokes ahead of Sweden’s Alexander Noren.
Going into Sunday with a four-shot lead, McIlroy was able to hold his nerve throughout the final round. Leaving little room for any serious competition and finishing the day at 2-under 70, 22-under for the tournament.
“I played a solid round of golf and did what I needed to do to keep my nose in front,” McIlroy told reporters afterwards.
“I felt like I was a little bit tentative over the first few holes but I guess we’ve seen what can happen to big leads these last few weeks with Martin (Kaymer) and Charl (Schwartzel) in Abu Dhabi and South Africa. I was conscious of that and making sure I didn't make any mistakes.”
This latest victory for McIlroy marks his fourth win in his last 7 European Tour starts (he finished runner-up in the other three!). A result the 25-year-old seems more than happy with.
Stating on Sunday, “It felt like I was coming second every time I was teeing it up so it was time for a change and obviously the only way I wanted to go was one better and thankfully I was able to do that today.”