Journeyman Paul Waring recorded the biggest win of his career with a two-stroke victory over fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton at the Abu Dhabi Championship in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
Waring, 39, held a one-stroke lead after the third round and shot a 6-under-par 66 on Sunday to finish 24 at Yas Links. He bogeyed his final two holes to hold off Hatton and Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and take his second career title. He also won the Nordea Masters in 2018.
“It was a really easy day, wasn’t it? It just means a lot,” said Waring, who pocketed $1.53 million for winning the tournament. “To control myself the way I did today, I’m proud of myself.”
Waring, ranked 229th in the world, will enjoy playing as a dual member of the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.
“I was very happy to be in Dubai to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s going to be a long way to go, a long way to America. But I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new challenge. It’s completely done.”
Hatton racked up eight birdies en route to a 64 on Sunday. He finished three strokes ahead of McIlroy (64), Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen (66) and Englishman Matt Wallace (63).
McIlroy said he feels like he is in good shape for The Race to Dubai.
“Yes, I feel in good shape,” he said. “I saw (Thirston Lawrence of South Africa) take charge today, and I kept one eye on the scoreboard to see what he was doing. I saw he had 20 stickers.
“Obviously I wanted to play last, though, but I know that birdie, even if it’s not to win the tournament this week, obviously it gives me that little bit for next week. Every shot is important at this point in time, and I’m happy to make four at the end and at least give myself a chance which is part of the tournament this week but I also give myself the opportunity to go to Dubai next week.”
Lawrence was one of four golfers tied for sixth at 20-under.
Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard, who entered the final round just one stroke behind Waring, shot a 70 on Sunday to finish in a three-way tie for tenth.
–Field Level Media
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