Minjee Lee wins dramatic play-off in the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic

Minjee Lee won the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic after a play-off. Courtesy Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic

Minjee Lee clinched the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic from Celine Boutier of France in a dramatic play-off at the Emirates Golf Club on Friday.

The Australian world No 9 rounded off the final day with three-under 69 to finish 10-under with Boutier to force the extra hole.

Boutier left a 30-foot birdie effort short and then Lee holed from a few feet closer to claim her second European Tour title.

“I didn’t really see the scores until a couple of holes to go and then I had to go for it straightaway,” Lee said.

“On the par shot on the 18th, I couldn’t really look at the break so well but I knew it was a little bit of power-putt. I took it a bit to the right and hit it firmer and it went in.

“Playing in the night under lights, it was special on this wonderful golf course. It was really a fun-week. I still may have a couple of events before the year end but it was special to come and play here.”

Boutier began well with three birdies in the first five holes and two more on the back nine before bogeying the 16th to finish 4-under 68, which left Lee to par the last two holes to force the play-off.

Lee began the day with a birdie and added two more birdies on the 10th and 14th before bogeying the next. She recovered with a birdie on the 16.

“She’s the best player not to win a major in the women’s game in my opinion,” Boutier said.

“It’s not a title that many players want and she should be looking to get rid of it in Texas in December. It brings a lot of smile to my face to see the players out there in Dubai. I of course, absolutely love coming to Dubai again.”

Laura Fuenfstueck of Germany shared third spot with defending champion Nuria Itturrioz of Spain and the overnight leader Swede Caroline Hedwall, all finishing on nine under.

Hedwall slipped down the order with three bogeys on the front nine but came back strongly with three birdies putts but her early mistakes put paid to her chances.

Lee, 24, became the fourth player to etch her name in the Dubai Classic honour list after Feng Shanshan of China took the first two editions of the event followed by American Yin Angel (2018) and Spain’s Iturrioz (2019).