Shane Lowry endured a crushing final-hole collapse to hand Spain's Nacho Elvira a dramatic victory at the Dubai Invitational on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
A Costly Collapse on the 72nd Hole
The Irishman, seeking his first solo title since the 2022 BMW PGA Championship, held a one-shot lead standing on the 18th tee at Dubai Creek. From 139 yards, his approach found a greenside bunker, setting the stage for a calamitous finish. Lowry's sand shot raced across the green and into the water, leading to a double-bogey six that he later labelled a "disaster".
"That was a disaster, that's what that was," a dejected Lowry admitted after signing for a closing 69. "I've just started my 18th season on tour and I'll never figure it out. I tried my best, did everything I could and hit the wrong club up the last. And that cost me a play-off."
Elvira Seizes the Opportunity
Lowry's misfortune opened the door for overnight leader Nacho Elvira, who carded a final-round 69 to claim his third DP World Tour title by a single shot from New Zealand's Dan Hillier. The world number 190 had seen a three-shot lead evaporate with back-to-back bogeys around the turn but held his nerve as the contenders faltered behind him.
"It’s a dream come true, especially having my kids here," Elvira said. "I always dreamed of having my kids walking up to me on the green as I win."
McIlroy's Near Miss in Desert Warm-Up
Rory McIlroy, who had surged into contention with a stunning run of five consecutive birdies, also bogeyed the final hole after failing to get up-and-down from the same bunker as his compatriot Lowry. The world number two finished with a 68, joining Lowry, Marcus Armitage, and one other in a tie for third place at eight-under par.
McIlroy, however, was philosophical, treating the event as preparation for the upcoming Hero Dubai Desert Classic. "I wasn't really focused on winning the tournament," he stated. "This was always a week to just get back at it and sort of get ready for next week. I saw some decent signs out there."
For Lowry, the pain was more acute. "This is going to hurt for a day or two," he conceded. "I haven't won in a few years. It's hard to get over the line... I just gave it to Nacho at the end. It's a bit of a disaster." The result extends his search for a victory in the desert and marks a brutal start to the 2026 DP World Tour season.
