Moneyball – Lowry’s costly final hole in Dubai

Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy each collected cheques for €113,267.26 on the 2026 competitive debuts, but Lowry in particular will feel that he should’ve been collecting much, much more.

Playing in the penultimate group, Lowry had sole possession of the lead as he stood in the 18th fairway at Dubai Creek Golf Club but a disastrous double-bogey six cost him a chance at victory and almost €300,000.

McIlroy was satisfied with his week’s work, despite finding himself in the mix after reeling off five birdies in a row. A bogey on the final hole cost him roughly €125,000, but he knew that he’d likely need to birdie it – and he was right – so played aggressively and paid the price.

Spaniard Nacho Elvira looked to be in control of the tournament before making back-to-back bogeys and then putting the ball in the water on the par-5 10th hole. His clutch birdie on 17 and a two-putt par on the last, combined with Lowry’s unfortunate demise, saw him secure his third DP World Tour victory and €400,526.82 in prize money.

Tom McKibbin’s final round of 70 – his only red-figured round of the week – saw him finish tied for 38th and collect €15,881.10, while Padraig Harrington also closed with a 70 and finished tied for 46th for €12,920.22.

On the PGA Tour, Chris Gotterup got his season off to the perfect start with a two-stroke win which was worth $1,638,000.

Séamus Power shot a closing six-under 64 to open his campaign with a T31 finish and $49,898.

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