Rock beats Tiger to Abu Dhabi Title

Credit: Keith Allison

The bookmakers must be licking their lips this afternoon after Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy missed out in Abu Dhabi.

In the end it was Robert Rock who claimed the title with a final round of 70 good enough for the win.

You have to give Rock credit as most golfers will have wilted in the company of Woods. Peter Hanson a far more accomplished player cracked early on.

Rock appeared to enjoy playing with Woods and it was birdies on 14 and 16, the two hardest holes on the golf course that won him this tournament.

He looked nervous on the last hole driving the ball into the hazard and playing a poor third shot, but a bogey proved enough to beat Mcilroy by 1 who again misses out on the Abu Dhabi title.

So what about Woods? Well after his excellent third round on Saturday, I like so many expected Tiger to win this tournament at a canter.

It didn't prove that way. There are still some obvious flaws in his long game as he continues to work on his game with coach Sean Foley.

Woods is trying to fade the ball but on too many occasions pulled it or simply hit the ball straight, missing his target left.

Woods missed a lot of greens and was reliant on his short game to keep himself in the hunt. It will be a while before I am confident to back the great man again.

Especially at Augusta where you need to draw the ball. Woods persistance to fade the ball might put him at a disadvantage when the Masters rolls back around.

Well done to Robert Rock though. This could propel him to a new level and don't be surprised if he wins again before the season is out.