Rory McIlroy started out firing on all eight cylinders but was left fuming missing a short closing hole birdie he’s now hoping will not cost him a double DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai victory toast.
McIlroy hurled his putter into his bag after horribly missing the four-footer and despite posting a score of 65, and his lowest in 27 rounds of the Jumeirah Estates course.
It was McIlroy’s second lowest score of his injury interrupted season after signing for a 64 earlier in the year, and some 20-minute drive from the Emirates Club where he captured the Dubai Desert Classic crown.
McIlroy is seeking a fourth victory this season along with a third Race to Dubai triumph in four years and a second DP World triumph also in four seasons.
His 15-under par tally has McIlroy trailing one shot behind front-running Andy Sullivan who again thrilled a large contingent of Nuneaton GC members in posting a 68 and finish on 16-under par.
Race to Dubai front-runner Rory McIlroy seconds away from hurling his putter into his golf bag. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
Danny Willett, who needs to finish in front of McIlroy if he’s to deny the Race to Dubai spoils to the four-time Major winner, posted a 67 to trail in sixth place at 11-under par.
McIlroy was still clearly riled in letting slip birdie at the last ahead of post round media commitments.
“Everything was just firing today and that’s why I’m coming off the golf course a little disappointed because that 65 could have easily been a 62 or a 61,” said McIlroy.
“Then after seeing Thongchai (Jaidee) hit his putt well right of the hole at the last, I just read too much into it hitting it straight left and I am sure if there was a third guy in the group he would have nailed it.
“I just sensed today there was something special in me and the way I started off with three birdies in four holes I knew it was a day I had to make the most of my chances in making up ground on the field.
Andy Sullivan (ENG) on the 18th fairway during Round 3 of the DP World Tour Championship at the Earth course, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, UAE, 21/11/2015.
Picture: Golffile | Thos Caffrey
All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit (© Golffile | Thos Caffrey)
“But then I am still in a great position going into tomorrow and in the final group where I want to be, and while I am a shot behind Andy I made up deficits before here in this event.
“And if I were to win the Race to Dubai, given the year I’ve had what with my injury, it would mean an awful lot and I would go into the Christmas break on a high note not only winning the Race to Dubai but also this DP World title.
“So if I could walk away from this season with four wins it feel pretty good even though it was not the year I wanted.”
