Paul Dunne has returned to Morocco smarter, wiser and a European Tour winner following last year’s disappointment in losing out for the Hassan 11 Trophy.

Dunne went into the final day in Agadir leading the field only for Italian Eduardo Molinari to eagle the 72nd hole before the young Irishman, who had bogeyed the 16th, gallantly regrouped to force a play-off in birding his closing hole.

Molinari then drew on his Ryder Cup experience to defeat Dunne at the first extra hole and claim his third European Tour title.

Paul Dunne competing in last year’s Hassan 11 Trophy in Morocco. (Photo – European Tour/Getty)

Dunne clearly learnt from the experience as 13 events later he brilliantly denied Rory McIlroy to capture the British Masters crown for a maiden Tour triumph.

And after finishing runner-up last week in Spain and having also earned back-to-back top-10s on the PGA Tour, Dunne is favourite to go one higher this week in Rabat.

“Coming second to Edoardo at last year’s Trophée Hassan II was a huge learning experience for me,” said Dunne.

“Although it was disappointing to miss out on the opportunity to win my first title, it gave me the drive to succeed last season. It was my best finish on the European Tour at that time.

“It made me more determined to secure my first victory, which I thankfully did later in the year. I would love to return to Morocco and go one better this season.

“It’s a fantastic event, and I’m looking forward to seeing the changes that have been made to the golf course.”

And Dunne also this week gets to further impress European Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjørn, who selected the Irishman in Europe’s 2018 EurAsia Cup team.