As you will most probably be very well aware, Rory McIlroy won the Dubai Desert Classic on Monday in its rain-delayed finish. He won by a shot from Patrick Reed, first being fortunate that his tee shot at the last didn’t go into the water (his ball was only held up by a patch of not-very-heavy rough) and then being commendably skilful with his pitch shot that set up his final birdie. He had to make a 15-foot putt to close things out.
But suppose he hadn’t? Suppose his putt had stayed out and we were into a sudden-death playoff? The way things have been between these two players lately, the Irishman might have preferred to inflict a long drawn-out finish. Proceedings in Dubai began with Reed flicking a LIV-logoed tee peg at McIlroy on the range (I guess this is the golfing equivalent of ‘handbags’ in football?) after McIlroy had refused to acknowledge him, this on account of the fact that on Christmas Eve he had been served with a subpoena. And Reed was being no shrinking violet in the desert sun (well, the sun that appeared after the storms had abated), sporting a LIV-branded cap throughout the week.
Related: Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
Back to the hypothetical play-off. What a prospect that would have been, given the rancour between the two men. (After his victory, McIlroy said: “It’s great there’s an ancillary benefit to me winning instead of someone else.”) So what would have happened? They would have been driven in a buggy, back to the tee on the par-five 18th, and both hit drives that none of the spectators in the grandstands could have seen. Which would be a nonsense way to end the drama. The regulation 72 holes had been played. Time for something a little less regulation.
What should happen is that the hole is played as a par-three, so the fans get to see everything. Purists would say (I know this because they do) “that’s not fair; the players have never played the hole that way”. First, it’s the same for everyone. Second, in which case tell them at the start of the week where the play-off tee will be and where final-round hole would be cut and then they could practise the shot. I don’t mind if it’s a 240-yard tee shot over water, bringing a bogey or worse very much into play, or just a flick with a wedge, making a birdie two a serious likelihood. Either would be an improvement on the status quo. In addition to better rewarding the spectators for their support, this would likely have the added benefit of expediting the whole process. Just a thought!
As for some of Reed’s fellow LIV golfers in Dubai, Ian Poulter tied for sixth while a shot further back were Richard Bland and Henrik Stenson, the man who was going to be the European Ryder Cup captain in September until he joined LIV. Next month we should find out whether LIV golfers can continue to play on the DP World Tour. After events in Dubai, no one can dispute they can surely compete on it.
You can follow Robert Green on Twitter @robrtgreen and enjoy his other blog f-factors.com plus you can read more by him on golf at robertgreengolf.com
