DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Rory McIlroy won a "really cool" record fourth Dubai Desert Classic title by one shot after storming back from a 10-shot deficit going into the weekend at the Emirates Golf Club.

McIlroy made two massive birdie putts towards the end of the front nine — a 31-footer on the par-4 eighth, followed by a 16-footer on the ninth — to move to 15-under par and lead by three shots.

At the same time, his playing partner and overnight leader American Cameron Young struggled and made the turn at two-over with two bogeys.

On the back nine, McIlroy made a bogey on the par-5 13th and could not add another birdie, but that was enough for a winning total of 14-under par 274.

Poland's Adrian Meronk once again showed his massive talent, and a last-hole birdie gave him a solo second place at 13-under par.

World No. 25 Young, searching for his first win on elite tours, finished third at 12-under par.

With his fourth title at the Emirates Golf Club, the world No. 2 McIlroy surpassed South Africa's Ernie Els and became the most successful player in the 35-year history of the championship.

"It's really cool," said McIlroy, who recorded his first win as a professional in the tournament in 2009.