Big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros staged one of the most bizarre final rounds in capturing the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Quiros was on pain-killers for an injured arm when he started the day chipping-in for eagle at the second and then birdiing the next.

He then had to take two penalty drops at the eighth, the second after his ball came to rest in a palm tree, before acing the par three, 11th hole to win by one stroke with a round of 68 for an 11-under par tally.

Quiros wins Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Quiros moved to a career high of 21st on the world rankings in defeating Denmark’s Anders Hansen (69) and South African James Kingston (67).

Rory McIlroy’s two-year European Tour winless drought continues with the young Ulsterman walking off the last green looking totally disinterested following his last round of 74.

McIlory had led from the outset and looking to capture a second Dubai success but two bogeys in his opening three holes, and then three in succession from the 14th.

A share of 10th place was little comfort to McIlroy even if he’s moved up one place to eighth his Race to Dubai standing.

“It was a very disappointing final day and to shoot a 74 was a tough pill to swallow,” he said.

Also Tiger Woods’ hopes of ending a 14-month winless spell nose-dived under the weight of a 75 that sent the American home with a four-under par score.

“It’s progressing, it’s progressing,” said Woods.

“We have two World Golf Championships coming up, but this week is a step in the right direction and I feel as though I’ve improved a lot considering where I was at Torrey Pines a couple of weeks ago.”

After Quiros’ great start he played a poor drive down eight that found bushes, and leaving him little option but to take a penalty. In dropping the ball it plugged in sand from where he skied his next into a palm tree.

Binoculars were used to identify his ball before walking off with a triple bogey.

However the 28-year Cadiz player brought the crowd to its feet in holing out for an ace, using a three-quarter wedge shot, at the par three 11th from where he was never headed.

Now with the first of the WGCs next fortnight, and with Augusta National fast approaching, Quiros is looking to start contending for a Major Championship title.

“I win a tournament and I’m very happy, but I know I have made mistakes this week,” he said.

“As for the Majors, one of the reasons is that you have to be in contention with the best players in the world.

“Luck also is important. In my case, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be in a good position now to fight for a top-10 in the Majors, if I play properly.

“That is now my target, to improve in the Majors because I have only played eight times in the Majors but missed the cut in six, so I can’t expect to win a Major doing that.”

Quiros got a first lucky break immediately following his win as he managed to out-run five compatriots, including Ryder Cup captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, who wanted to celebrate Quiros’ win by hurling him into the 18th hole water hazard.