ABU DHABI — Tyrrell Hatton Sunday won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship to claim his sixth European Tour title, and a record equaling fourth Rolex Series victory, after a scintillating final round of 66 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The Englishman was in excellent form from the first tee, blowing away the rest of the field on the final round to clinch the Falcon Trophy by four shots. Starting one behind the lead going into the final day, he consistently collected birdies to draw clear of playing partner and Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy, who could not build on his overnight score of 13 under.

The victory was the perfect way to start to his 2021 Race to Dubai season and the current World No. 9 will move into the top five of the Official World Golf Ranking, as he joined Jon Rahm as the player with the most Rolex Series wins, tied on four.

Earlier in the day, Hatton’s stunning approach to 13 left him with a two-foot birdie putt that sent him four shots clear with five holes left to play, and another birdie on 16 and steady pars on 17 and 18 secured his first win in Abu Dhabi in front of the magnificent Falcon clubhouse.

Australian Jason Scrivener finished second on 14 under, ahead of overnight leader McIlroy, after carding a final round 66 to shoot up the leaderboard and claim the best finish of his European Tour career.

McIlroy, a runner-up at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on four previous occasions, was hoping today would be his time to finally lift the iconic Falcon Trophy but the four-time Major winner signed for an even par 72 to finish third, 13 under for the tournament.

Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello finished fourth on 12 under, whilst American David Lipsky and Scot Marc Warren tied fifth on eleven under par.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “At the outset, we would like to congratulate Tyrrell Hatton for his fantastic victory at the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. All players performed exceptionally well and we enjoyed every moment of this tournament.

Al-Awani continued: “We are proud of organizing this tournament despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Right from the start, all precautionary measures were followed to ensure the safety of participants — be it players, delegates or fans. We believe this was a successful championship by all standards and is the start of an exciting calendar of sporting events in Abu Dhabi.”

After his victory, Hatton said: “Yes, thrilled to be honest. Even knocking the putt in on 18 doesn't seem like I've won the tournament. Obviously it's amazing.

“I've always loved starting my season here in Abu Dhabi, and to now add my name on that trophy with so many great champions before me is a huge honor.

“I think the big moment for me today was the putt on 10. Maybe that was going eight feet past and it just hit the hole. That was huge.

“Ryder Cup points have started again and that's a huge goal for me this year to make that team. I'm absolutely delighted that I've managed to pick up a load of points this week, and now I'll enjoy tonight and then my attention will turn to next week.”

Hatton’s win was the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, consecutively hosted at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club since 2006. — SG