Nicolai Højgaard secured a two-shot victory at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship after firing a final round 64 on the Earth Course at Jumeriah Golf Estates in Dubai.
The 22-year-old Dane had led after both 18 and 36 holes, but entered the final round three shots off the pace before pulling himself right into contention with a front nine of 33.
He was back on top with a birdie on the tenth and then, after making what looked like a costly bogey on the 12th, reeled off five birdies in a row from the 13th to get to 21 under and hold off the challenge of his Ryder Cup team-mates Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland and overnight leader Matt Wallace.
Victory catapulted Højgaard into second place behind winner Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai in a DP World Tour season that yielded seven top-10 finishes. He also moved inside the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.
SWEET FINISH TO THE SEASON
Højgaard said: “This is by far the best golf I’ve played in a tournament and the strongest field in my three wins, which makes it even sweeter. It’s a great way to finish off season and I’m definitely going to enjoy this one with my team and my family. I’m so proud of my team and everyone involved that did put in the work and I couldn’t wish for better people to have around me.”
Fleetwood and Hovland signed for a pair of 68s, one shot less than Wallace, to sit two ahead of defending champion Jon Rahm, South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence and Frenchman Matthieu Pavon. Rahm and Lawrence both carded rounds of 66, with Pavon signing for a 67 to sit at 17 under, one shot clear of Frenchman in Victor Perez and two ahead of Ewen Ferguson and Jeff Winther.
What’s in the Bag – Nicolai Højgaard
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (10.5°)
Fairway: Callaway prototype (16.5°)
Irons: Callaway Apex MB ’21, 4-10
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 5 50°; Callaway JAWS Raw 56° and 60°
Putter: Odyssey O-Works Jailbird Mini
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track