McIlroy in control as 2024 Race to Dubai wraps up at Jumeirah Golf Estates
The Northern Irishman is set to capture a sixth Harry Vardon Trophy
Rory McIlroy remains in pole position to capture a sixth Harry Vardon Trophy as the 2024 Race to Dubai reaches its finale at this week's DP World Tour Championship.
After extending his lead atop the Race to Dubai Rankings with a third place finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the Northern Irishman opened up a 1,785.02-point advantage over Thriston Lawrence.
With the season-long race now down to just McIlroy and Lawrence, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
“I do feel in a good position,” said McIlroy, who carded a closing 64 for a 21-under total.
“I saw Thriston making a charge today (Sunday), and I was keeping one eye on the leaderboard and looking at what he was doing. I saw he posted 20.
“Obviously I wanted to birdie the last, anyway, but I know that birdie, even if it isn't to win the tournament this week, it obviously gives me that little bit extra of a cushion going into next week.
“Every shot counts at this moment in time, and I was glad to make the four at the last and at least give myself half a chance at this tournament this week but also give myself a little bit more of a cushion going into Dubai next week as well.”
McIlroy will be the first to admit this hasn’t been his best season, but the World No. 3 has still managed to control the Race to Dubai, fuelled by a fourth victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and a series of close calls at several DP World Tour events.
He’s recorded runner-up finishes at the BMW PGA Championship, Irish Open, Dubai Invitational and most agonisingly, the U.S. Open, where three bogeys in his final four holes cost him the title.
If he lifts the coveted Harry Vardon Trophy for a sixth time on November 17, the 35-year-old will equal the legendary Seve Ballesteros' record for season-long titles - a remarkable feat that brings him closer to Colin Montgomerie’s all-time record of eight.
But Thriston Lawrence still has a chance to upset McIlroy’s plans at the Earth course.
The South African must win the DP World Tour Championship outright to have any hope of taking the season-long crown, though even that won’t be enough if McIlroy finishes solo 11th or better.