Golf - Robert Rock rocks Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi
Last updated 1/30/2012 8:53:00 AM
Golf - Robert Rock rocks Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi
England's battered sporting reputation was somewhat restored in Abu Dhabi when Midland golfer Robert Rock held all the big boys at bay to win only his second tournament. Rock boldly held off the challenge of world superstars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to claim the biggest win of his 14 year career.
The man from Rugeley, who had won only once previously on Tour in 228 attempts, at last year's Italian Open, had a two-shot cushion on the 18th tee - a cushion that proved vital.
Rock showed more control and composure than the man who was expected to beat him, American multi champion Tiger Woods.
Woods was never able to recapture the form he showed on Saturday when he shot a magnificent 66 and his comeback after his trials and tribulations still waits his first big win.
McIlroy was ultimately left to rue the careless two-stroke penalty he picked up in the second round which was to cost him dear.
The victory moved Rock, who is attached to the Belfry, up to second place in The Race to Dubai, while also extending his European Tour exemption until the end of 2014.
Graeme McDowell (68) aced the 12th and birdied the last two holes to tie for third with Woods and Thomas Bjorn (68) in a very strong field which made Rock's success all the more noteworthy.
"I was just happy to be playing with Tiger," admitted the 34-year-old Staffordshire pro, who can now bank a cheque for £291,646 after closing with a two-under-par 70. "That is a special honour in itself.
"Early on I was very nervous but I hit some good shots and then I began to think, 'why not?'"
But any thoughts of a straightforward victory were quickly snuffed out by a bogey on the eighth and, when Woods birdied nine, the lead was back to one. That was as close as the American, who hit only five greens in regulation, would get.
"I was right there with a chance to win, but just didn't get the job done," said 36-year-old Woods.
"I got off to a beautiful start but misjudged the wind on the next two holes and felt I was just a touch off."
It may have been Rock's most prestigious success but it was not his biggest pay-day. That was the near £500,000 he picked up for finishing runner-up to amateur Shane Lowry in an Irish Open play-off at Baltray in 2009.
"I've no idea how I feel at the moment," added Rock, whose previous best finish here was a tie for 47th. "I think it will take a few days to sink in because it was such a high quality field and I haven't done particularly well here in the past. But I played great this week and, obviously, I'm absolutely delighted."
Abu Dhabi Championship final leaderboard
-13: R Rock (Eng)
-12: R McIlroy (NI)
-11: G McDowell (NI), T Bjorn (Den), T Woods (US)
-10: M Manassero (Ita), G Coetzee (SA)
Selected others:
-9: F Molinari (Ita), P Lawrie (Sco)
-8: S Garcia (Spa)
-7: G Maybin (NI)
-6: L Westwood (Eng)
-3: P Harrington (Ire)
-1: L Donald (Eng)