Paul Casey claimed a milestone 15th European Tour title after a closing 70 earned him a four-shot victory in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Casey began the final day one shot clear of MacIntyre in the final pairing bug the Scot quickly moved into a share of the lead with a birdie on the second. Casey moved ahead again with a birdie on the par-5 third and then produced a stunning chip for another birdie on the par-3 fourth to extend his lead. He moved comfortably ahead with two early birdies on the back nine and dropped one stroke on the 15th before sealing the title with his closing birdie.
“I didn’t look at a leaderboard all day,” admitted Casey. “The key moments on the back nine for me were the birdie putt on hole 11 and a big bogey putt on 15 – a hole which I’d played rubbish all week. I also cleaned up nicely for par on 16 and after that is was quite straightforward.
“I’m all emotional with wins, but this one is such a prestigious event,” he added. “And 15 wins is pretty cool too. I wanted 15. The European Open victory in 2019 is the last and this is such an iconic event, so I’m so happy.”
MacIntyre struggled to gather momentum after his early birdie and made four consecutive bogeys from the eighth after a cruel lip-out from inside two feet. He picked up a birdie on the 14th but it wasn’t enough as his charge for a second European Tour title came up short.
“I fought until the end – I got the start I was looking for, I thought ‘here we go’ after that first birdie, but sometimes it doesn’t go for you and today was one of those days,” said the 24-year-old, who carded a closing 74. “I’ve just got to keep believing in myself, and if I keep giving myself chances like this week-in, week-out, then I’m going to bundle one over the line again at some point. Paul was brilliant today, he stuck to his own game, controlled himself brilliantly and I’ve got to look up to that and see where I can get to.”
Paul Casey’s winning gear
Driver: Titleist TSi3 (9°)
Fairway Wood: Titleist TSi2 3 (16.5°)
Irons: Mizuno JPX 919 Hot Metal Pro (3-4), Mizuno MP-5 (5-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 (52°, 56°), Titleist Vokey Prototype (60°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron GSS Prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1