Patrick Reed held off LIV Golf League rival David Puig to claim a maiden Rolex Series title with a four-stroke victory at the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic in Dubai.

The former Masters champion took a four-shot lead into the final day at Emirates Golf Club and never relinquished control, despite seeing advantage temporarily cut by David Puig, with a level-par 72 enough to close out a convincing victory.

Reed mixed two birdies and two bogeys to end the week on 14 under and comfortably ahead of England’s Andy Sullivan, who jumped into second after a late birdie burst, with Puig sharing third spot alongside Julien Guerrier.

Former Open champion Francesco Molinari shared fifth spot with Nicolai Hojgaard and Jayden Schaper, as pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy carded his worst result at the event since 2008 with a tied-33rd finish.

McIlroy ended the week 12 strokes back on two under alongside defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, with world No 3 Tommy Fleetwood a further stroke adrift and none of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team finishing higher than 14th on the leaderboard.

What’s next?

The DP World Tour stays in the Middle East for the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, held at the Royal Golf Club, with coverage starting on Thursday at 8.30am on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.