Rory McIlroy claimed a two-stroke victory at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship despite Justin Rose setting a new course record. World No.1 McIlroy birdied his final five holes on Sunday as he finished at 23 under on the back of a six-under 66 final round in Dubai. England&aposs Rose broke the previous course record at Jumeirah Golf Estates by two shots with a 10-under 62, which included eight birdies and an eagle, to finish at 21 under overall. However, McIlroy showed why he has topped both the PGA and European Tour money lists this season with successive birdies from holes 14 to 18. The Northern Irishman takes home 1,041,429 Euros ($AU 1.3 million) in prize money and closes out the 2012 season with five wins – The Honda Classic, PGA Championship, Deutsche Bank Championship, BMW Championship and the World Tour Championship. World No.2 Luke Donald, who shared the overnight lead with McIlroy, finished in a tie for third alongside South African Charl Schwartzel at 18 under. The Englishman shot a one-under 71, while Schwartzel rolled in six birdies on his way to a four-under 68. Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa carded a three-under 69 to end the tournament six shots adrift at 17 under. Fellow South African Branden Grace was a further stroke back following a four-under 68. Thai Thongchai Jaidee (68) and Swede Henrik Stenson (68) finished in a share of seventh place at 15 under. Sergio Garcia, who held the previous course record, rivalled Rose with one of the performances of the day, producing a bogey-free eight-under 64. The Spaniard concluded the season finale at 14 under alongside Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed (66), Padraig Harrington of Ireland (68), Spain&aposs Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (68) and Welshman Jamie Donaldson (69). Australian Marcus Fraser tied for 40th following a one-under 71 that saw him finish at six under for the event.
Author: Omnisport