Rory McIlroy: 'Mentally it was very tough. I could have let my emotions get in the way.'

The Northern Irishman won the Dubai Desert Classic for the third time in his career on Monday morning.

THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic trophy on the 18th green, following victory in the Final Round on Day Five of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 30, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

As Rory McIlroy stood over the ball on the 18th green, the eyes of the golfing world were on him.

Many of those watching may have been hoping that he would miss his putt. His fallout with Patrick Reed had been played out in public in recent days and if he were to drag his putt just past the hole, it have continued into a play off round.