Nicolai Hojgaard has claimed the biggest title of his career with victory at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
With no-one able to pass Rory McIlroy at the top of the Race To Dubai standings, the focus for the 50 participants was glory at one of the most highly-anticipated events on the calendar.
Having only recorded a third-round 70, momentum was not with Hojgaard heading into Sunday's play, but the 22-year-old hit nine birdies to post a 64 from his final round.
A missed birdie putt on the last kept the chasing pack interested, Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace each having the opportunity to hit an eagle on the par-five 18th to force a playoff.
Always by his side 💙
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 19, 2023
The agonising wait for Nicolai Højgaard whilst waiting to find out if he'd secured his first Rolex Series win.#DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/3h179h9c9g
However, the Englishmen both hit stray tee shots, forcing them to settle for a par and share second spot with Norway's Viktor Hovland.
World number three Jon Rahm was among the players to claim fifth position, Matthieu Pavon and Thriston Lawrence also having weeks that will give their respective world ranking positions a considerable boost.
Further down the leaderboard, Rasmus Hojgaard - Nicolai's brother - was 11th, narrowly missing out on a dual PGA Tour membership alongside his sibling.
McIlroy had to settle for a share of 22nd after only producing a score of 70 for his final round.
Darren Plant
