Rory McIlroy Focussed More On Masters Than Being Bitten By Brazil Mosquitoes.

Rory McIlroy ended a disappointing defence of his Dubai Desert Classic defence clearly more concerned about the up-coming Masters than being bitten by any Brazil mosquitoes.

In fact, McIlroy finally managed to take some bite out of the Emirates course, albeit a round too late, in birding four of his closing six holes in 65 for an eventual 15-under par total.

The current World No. 2 fell four shots shy of England’s Danny Willett who holed a testing 12-foot birdie putt at the last to win by a stroke with a round of 69 and a 19-under par tally.

“It was a brilliant putt as when I won in Switzerland I had a tap-in while I had a four shot lead in the Nedbank but today was pretty different and I just showed some real guts,” said Willett.

Rory McIlroy produces the best round of the week, a last day 65.

Rory McIlroy produces the best round of the week, a last day 65.

Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who birdied the closing two holes also in a 69, shared second place for a second week in succession and on this occasion with Brit Andy Sullivan (68).

The win is Willett’s fourth Tour title but the first time he’s got his name on the same trophy as McIlroy after the pair were GB & I team-mates at Royal County Down in the 2007 Walker Cup.

McIlroy went into the last day three over par for three days over the front half but then 11-under on the homeward stretch.

But in the four-day final wash-up McIlroy was level going out and an impressive 15-under coming home to end his defence sharing sixth spot.

“This week was just okay though I finally did get it going on the front nine but disappointed for the most part,” he said.

Security staff right to keep barricades from tipping over as Rory McIlroy signs autographs.  (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Security staff right to keep barricades from tipping over as Rory McIlroy signs autographs. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“All in all, the game feels in decent shape but then I am struggling with my driver a little bit, and I’ve now got a week off to work on those things before I get ready for L.A., the Honda and the Cadillac.

“The scoring is usually pretty tough in those three tournaments, so I’m looking forward to getting into that.

“These two events here in the UAE have given me a good understanding of what I need to do going into the next few weeks, so they’ve been a real exercise in that way event though it would have been nice to come away with a win.

“So it’s onto the PGA Tour and then there’s the run up to Augusta, so it’s an exciting part of the golf season.

“But for the time being I’m looking forward to spending a week in my own bed.  I have had one night at home, and that was in September, since last June, so that will be good.”

Rory McIlroy has no fear about being bitten by any Brazil mosquito.

Rory McIlroy has no fear about being bitten by any Brazil mosquito.

However before jetting out of the UAE and back to his ‘own bed’ Jupiter mansion in Florida McIlroy was quizzed if he was concerned about catching the Zika Virus and ruining his preparations in attending August’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I don’t want to get it but I haven’t paid much attention to it, as I just compete on a week-to-week basis, but then I have not been talking about the Olympics in general, so not concerned,” he said.

And McIlroy clearly delighted a 12-year old girl who had firstly been disappointed not to get his autograph in coming from the scorer’s hut.

But then after frantically following him all the way to the clubhouse, she broke down in tears and in the arms of her friend when Rory signed a cap.

McIlroy picked up seven spots to move to 14th on the 2016 Race to Dubai and still top of the European Ryder Cup points list.

However, in a reflection of the strength of England-born golf there is four inside the top eight on the Ryder Cup table – Sullivan (2), Willett (3), Matt Fitzpatrick (4) and Justin Rose (5).



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