Rory McIlroy offers a gracious take on Matt Fitzpatrick after their tense Dubai duel

McIlroy spoke to Sky Sports Golf after the final round, sharing his thoughts on how the day unfolded.

“Got off to the perfect start.

“Three under through five, four under through seven. I felt I had taken control of the golf tournament, was a couple ahead, and then I made two bogeys on the way in on 12 and 16 and didn’t birdie 14 and 15, the birdie holes.

“I knew I needed something to happen on the last. I hit a great shot on 17 which came up a little short and a putt which lipped out.

“But I knew what I needed to do. Hit a great five wood. Lucky to see Rasmus’s putt before mine, so I got a bit of a read from him.

“A great way to finish. It was nice to make the playoff, but unfortunately hitting in the water there on 18 in the playoff put me behind the eight ball.

“But happy for Matt. He has had a great end to the season. Played great to get on the Ryder Cup team and then kept it going since, so I’m really happy for him as well.”

Matt Fitzpatrick finishes excellent season with DP World Tour Championship title

Fitzpatrick’s week at Jumeirah Golf Estates showed the consistency and composure he has built over the year, even if the start to his campaign was not as smooth.

He had some early challenges, but quickly turned things around once he got into his stride on the PGA Tour.

While a third career win stayed just out of reach, his play remained strong throughout.

The form he found also carried over into the Ryder Cup in September, where he played an important role in Europe’s win over the USA at Bethpage Black.