Stephen Gallacher of Scotland closed with an even-par 72 in rainy conditions at Emirates Golf Club to beat Emiliano Grillo of Argentina by one stroke and become the first player in the 26-year history of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic to win the title two consecutive years.
Rory McIlroy, who was in or near the lead most of the way after opening with a 63, stumbled to a 74 that included only two birdies and slid to a tie for ninth.
The 39-year-old Gallacher struggled early, as he did in round three before posting a 63 by playing the last 10 holes in 10-under, and was 4-over at the turn before making birdies on four of the last eight holes to pull out the victory.
“After struggling at the start, I just remembered yesterday’s performance,” said Gallacher, who claimed his fourth victory as a pro. “Fortunately, nobody was running away with it and when I looked at the scoreboard I was only two strokes back.
“I just had to stay in every shot, every hole and make a few birdies. It’s a great tournament, one of my favorites, and I’m delighted to win it. I wish I could play here every week.”
Grillo, 21, rounded out his 66 in the final round with an eagle on the 18th hole and posted the best finish of his pro career.
Brooks Koepka, the 23-year-old American out of Florida State who has won four times on the European Challenge Tour, closed with a 70 and wound up two strokes back in a tie for third with Romain Wattel of France, who had a 66.
Henrik Stenson, No. 3 in the World Golf Rankings, finished with a 68 to tie for 29th, and top-ranked Tiger Woods shot 71 to tie for 41st, salvaging something of his week by carding birdies on the last three holes.
Others who have tried unsuccessfully to defend their titles in Dubai over the last 25 years include Woods, McIlroy, Stenson, Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie, Mark O’Meara, Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
