Both players entered the final round six strokes off the lead, but high winds and rain at Dubai’s Emirates Golf Club created a wide-open leaderboard.
Herbert (above), a 24-year-old Australian, and Bezuidenhout, a 25-year-old South African, shot final-round 68s to finish tied at 9-under par. Herbert carded birdies on Nos. 17 and 18, while Bezuidenhout saved bogey at the last after finding the water.
On the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th, Herbert hit his second shot in the water but recovered with a stunning shot from the drop zone and matched Bezuidenhout’s par.
After returning to the 18th for the second extra hole, Herbert hit his second shot within 20 feet of the hole and two-putted for a winning birdie.
“It’s the best thing ever, it’s so good,†Herbert said. “We’ve got a bottle of scotch at home to celebrate back in Australia so I can’t wait to get into that with the boys.â€
Wu Ashun of China held the 54-hole lead but closed with a 77 and finished T6. Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau started the final round two strokes back but shot 76 Sunday and finished T8.
Herbert, like other Australian pros, is playing for the citizens of his homeland affected by wildfires.
“Cam Smith said it a couple of weeks ago when he won (the PGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii), everyone around the world is behind us and hopefully we can keep fighting harder than what I did on that first playoff hole,†Herbert said. “That’s nothing compared to the firefighters and volunteers that are putting out the fires so I’m sending all my love back home.â€
With his victory, Herbert was projected to move into the top 100 in the world ranking.
RESULTS | RACE TO DUBAI
Staff and Wire Reports
