A weary-looking Rory McIlroy has waved a white flag to forfeit the Race to Dubai title to World No. 1 Luke Donald.
McIlroy, despite the presence of Tennis World No. 1 Caroline Wozinacki out on the course for the closing nine holes, is running on the smell of an oily rag after dropping to a share of eighth place on eight under par and with a round to play in the Dubai World Championship.
Donald seized the initiative in recording a third round 66 and into fourth spot on 10-under par and two ahead of McIlroy.
Luke Donald now one round away from an historic first in golf. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
The 34-year old Donald virtually has now to only turn up to create history in becoming the first-ever golfer to win the No. 1 money list title on both the PGA and European Tours.
Spain’s Alvaro Quiros heads the tournament in recording a 70 to move to 14-under par and two clear of Scotland’s Paul Lawrie who holed a 40-foot eagle at the 18th in a round of 66 for a 12-under par total
And Quiros will be out to make amends for blowing last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open title as he strives to become the first player to win the ‘Dubai Double’ after sealing victory earlier this season in the Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy is going to have to shoot something like a 60 and Donald an 80 if the 22-year old Ulsterman is to deny the current World No. 1 can lay claim to both money list titles.
It will Donald scooping every ‘Golfer of the Year’ title.
McIlroy was seeing a doctor later night (SAT) Dubai time to discuss whether he should contest next week’s Asian Tour season-ending Thailand Golf Championship.
The reigning U.S. Open champ has been paid a reputed £ 1/2m to compete in the flood-ravaged capital of Bangkok but is almost certain to turn his back on the money in favour of getting his ailing body back to health.
“I’m tired. I’m very tired,” admitted McIlroy.
“Luke is in a great position, and he’s played great the last couple of days, and I expect him to go out shoot another solid round and wrap up this thing.
“He deserves it. He’s played great all year, and he deserves to be No. 1 in the world and No. 1 on both money lists. He’s had an incredible year.”
And McIlroy believes Donald deserves more recognition for his accomplishments this year.
“I’ve always said I don’t think Luke has been given enough credit for how good of golf he’s played,” said McIlroy.
“People outside of golf just look at wins and they think he wins are all the be-all and end-all. But the number of top 5s and top-10s he’s had have been just as impressive.
“From within the golfing family Luke will receive a lot of applause for what he’s done this year.
“But it’s unfortunate that people outside the golfing world will think, even though he he’s won four times this year, that there is that question, is he the real No. 1 because he’s not won a major”.
