DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Viktor Hovland beat Richard Bland in a playoff to capture the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday after Rory McIlroy missed a chance to win the title in regulation by bogeying the last hole.
Hovland claimed his third victory in five events by making birdie from inside 3 feet at the first playoff hole – the 18th – at Emirates Golf Club. Bland had just missed a birdie putt from longer out.
Both players finished on 12 under par. Hovland shot 6-under 66 after finishing birdie-eagle-birdie, while Bland birdied the last for a 68.