World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has captured a second Race to Dubai title in three years before teeing up in next week’s DP World Tour Championship final event in the UAE.
McIlroy has an unassailable lead and is Euro 2,726,614 ahead of nearest rival Henrik Stenson who moved into second place on the money list with his third place finish in the Turkish Airlines Open.
And with the first prize on offer next week less than half the difference between McIlroy and Stenson, who was European No. 1 a year ago, the 24-year old four-time Major winning McIlroy can’t be denied.
It is the first time since 2004 a player has won the European No. 1 crown with still an event to be staged as Ernie Els achieved the goal 10 years ago and also electing not to contest the then season-ending Volvo Masters.
Rory McIlroy heads to this week’s DP World Tour Championship as European No. 1 (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
McIlroy’s achievement also makes amends in being denied the PGA Tour No. 1 title given the make-up of the FedEx Cup Play Off Series that saw American Billy Horchel win the last two events and with McIlroy, who had won two Majors and a WGC title in season 2014, eventually end the year as No. 3 on the money list.
“This has obviously been the best season of my career by a long way, and to win The Race to Dubai for the second time really is something truly special,” said McIlroy in a statement released by the Tour.
“That four-week spell over the summer, from The Open to the US PGA Championship, would have to be the best golf of my life, so I feel like I’ve really earned The Race to Dubai.
“Winning it for the first time two years ago was a fantastic feeling, but I feel like I’m now a more complete player and my all-round game has moved to another level. I’ve put in a lot of hard work this season, with my game and my fitness, so it’s nice to get the rewards at the end of it.
“In some ways the pressure is off next week, but I’ll fight very hard to end the year on a high with another victory. I’ve a great record in this tournament, and in Dubai generally, having secured my first European Tour win there in 2009.”
