In the final moments of the 2026 Dubai Invitational, both Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry seemed primed for a fairytale win to kickstart the year in pro golf. That is until each player reached the final challenge.

With victory in their sights, both McIlroy and Lowry stumbled on the 72nd hole to miss out on a dream start to 2026.

Here’s what happened.

Rory McIlroy’s epic rally spoiled with closing bogey at Dubai Invitational

Heading into Sunday’s final round, McIlroy was three shots off the lead and hungry to start his year off with a bang. An early birdie at the 3rd hole helped his case, but then things went sideways for the five-time major champion.

Bogeys at 4 and 7 dropped McIlroy to four under for the tournament and well off the lead. It seemed he’d have to settle for a top-10 after all.

Gear

But then the World No. 2 went on one of his trademark hot streaks to change the narrative completely. Rory reeled off five-straight birdies on holes 9-13 to rocket back up the leaderboard into a tie for the lead at nine under.

With five holes to go, McIlroy shared the top of the leaderboard with Daniel Hiller and 54-hole leader Nacho Elvira. Lowry was one shot back at eight under.

At the par-3 14th, McIlroy watched in dismay as his 30-foot birdie try burned the edge of the cup, forcing him to tap in for par. Had his putt dropped, it would have stretched his birdie streak to six-straight holes and would have given him the solo lead with four to play.