Bryson DeChambeau was gunning for his first victory outside the United States and he left no doubt.
The fifth-ranked DeChambeau closed with a brilliant 8-under-par 64 on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club www.dubaigolf.com/emirates-golf-club.aspx and won the Omega Dubai Desert Classic by a stunning seven strokes over Matt Wallace of England in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“Today was a pleasure,” said DeChambeau, who claimed his seventh pro victory, including five since last June. “I executed a lot of great shots. It was obviously a lot of fun to be able to finally hoist an international trophy, I’m so happy about that.
“I was trying to shoot 24-under today and missed it by one, but I’m happy with the results, for sure. I was trying to go as deep as possible today.”
DeChambeau, the 25-year-old from Clovis in California’s San Joaquin Valley, came out of the gate quickly with birdies on the first three holes, made an 10-foot eagle putt eagle at No. 10 and added four birdies coming home to record a tournament record total of 24-under 264.
Wallace birdied the last two holes to claim second alone with a 68, while Ian Poulter of England shot 64 to finish eight shots back in a tie for third with Sergio Garcia of Spain, who had a 66, Paul Waring of England, who had his own 64, and Alvaro Quiris of Spain, who wound up at 68.
Justin Harding of South Africa posted the low round of the day at 63 to wind up nine down in a tie for seventh with Lee Westwood (67) of England, Jason Scrivener (68) of Australia, Thorbjorn Olesen (69) of Norway and Lucas Herbert (69) of Australia.
Defending champion Haotong Li of China thought he finished in the tie for second, but he was assessed a two-stroke penalty because his caddie was standing behind him as he took his putting stance on the last hole.
Li had to sign for a 73 and wound up in a tie for 12 th that included three-time Dubai champion Ernie Els of South Africa, who finished at 71, while Tommy Fleetwood of England shot 69 to wind up in a tie with first-round leader Matthew Fitzpatrick of England, who came in at 70.
For complete results, visit: http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019012/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard
