Lucas Herbert collected greater than $800,000 after ending simply behind Rory McIlroy in his thrilling last-hole win in Dubai over bitter rival Patrick Reed and declared there’s higher to come back in 2023 with the Masters on his thoughts.
McIlroy made a snaking 18th gap birdie putt to win the Dubai Desert Basic by a single shot from Reed, avoiding a playoff that might have put the 2 in a head-to-head battle after a pre-tournaments incident on the driving vary.
Reed had referred to as McIlroy an “immature little baby” for ignoring his method for a handshake on the driving vary earlier than the event. McIlroy responded by declaring the American wasn’t dwelling in “actuality” given his ongoing lawsuits towards the PGA Tour, for which the Northern Irishman is the main spokesperson towards LIV Golf, the insurgent tour of which Reed is a member.
Australian Herbert completed an extra two photographs behind Reed after a last spherical six-under 66, serving to him rise to world No.53 as he eyes off a possible return to Augusta in April.
It’s promising indicators,” the 27-year-old mentioned.
“It nonetheless appears like there’s some work to do and I can get higher than what I produced this week, in order that’s thrilling.
“I felt like we had been in all probability virtually taking part in for second going into the day. It’s fairly arduous to identify Rory 5 photographs and try to chase him right down to win a event.
“To complete third right here on this high quality discipline, I feel it’s good indicators forward for 2023.”
McIlroy was pumped along with his win and mentioned he needed to hold his feelings in test, realizing Reed was the person he needed to beat following the pre-tournament stoush.
“I needed to work actually arduous to overlook about who was up there and simply attempt to deal with myself,” he mentioned.
“Mentally, at present was in all probability one of many hardest rounds I’ve ever needed to play as a result of it will be very easy to let your feelings get in the way in which.
“I really feel like I confirmed a number of psychological energy on the market.”
