Rock ensures boost for Belfry
- Wednesday, 1 February 2012
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Robert Rock is congratualted by Tiger Woods [Getty Images]
Robert Rock recorded the finest victory of his career at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship to cap a fairytale rise to prominence.
The man from Lichfield remained calm and composed under pressure to hold off the challenge of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
Rock - who has been affiliated with The Belfry for the past six years - led overnight, birdied three of his first six holes on Sunday and held on, despite pressure from Ryder Cup players Woods, McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Thomas Bjorn.
"I can't believe I've done that today - it's such an amazing feeling", he admitted, adding: "I was very happy to be playing with Tiger Woods today, and that's a special honour in itself.
"I really surprised myself - early on I was very, very nervous, but hit some good shots and started thinking, 'why not?'"
His second professional victory in seven months moves the 34-year to second in the Race to Dubai standings and 55th in the Official World Golf Rankings, securing starts at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and HSBC Champions in the process.
Gary Silock, Director of Golf at the resort, said: "On behalf of everybody the Belfry, we'd like to congratulate Robert on his stunning victory in Abu Dhabi.
"We look forward to congratulating him in person when he next drops in to practice on the Brabazon Course."
Belfry-affiliated professionals have performed well of late, including Tom Whitehouse and his cousin Sam Walker, who held his nerve in the final event of the 2011 Challenge Tour to gain a 2012 European Tour Card.
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