Cash kings reign on Earth

A mere 290,910 euros (Dh1.43 million) is all that stands between Race to Dubai leader Martin Kaymer and the only golfer that can catch him — Graeme McDowell; that's heading into this weekend's (November 25-28) $7.5 million (Dh27.5 million - 5.5 million euros) face off at the Dubai World Championships in Jumeirah Golf Estate's Earth Course.

McDowell has come from behind after a stunning five-week run that has seen him narrow his lead considerably from the gaping 900,000 euros that initially stood between himself and the German before a win at the Andalucia Valderama Masters, a third at Singapore and a fifth in Hong Kong recently.

Ever the Irishman, McDowell related the scenario into horse racing terminology at a pre-tournament press meet, "He's [Kaymer] had a 25-length lead and I'm coming fast up the inside rail and we've got one fence left and I feel like I'm coming strong."

Kaymer had earlier admitted of McDowell's devastating momentum, "Of course I wish it had been different. I'm not lying but that's how it is. I see it as a challenge — I always knew everything would come down to this tournament as it's such a huge purse."

Good for the game

That the difference at the top of the money list/order of merit has been shortened Kaymer added, "It's good for European golf, for the Tour, for the spectators, for the event in Dubai."

"I was thinking that I will go into The Race to Dubai with a big lead, but I was not expecting that the lead is only a couple of thousand," said Kaymer.

Both golfers agree they can't afford to stop to look at what each other are doing this weekend. McDowell said, "All I can do is focus on my ball and try to approach it like a normal week. I'm concentrating on the tournament and not looking at the Race to Dubai, because if you play well, obviously the bigger picture will take care of itself."

Kaymer added, "There's always a little bit more pressure if you're leading, I just have to be patient, wait for my chances and don't look back at Graeme's scores. I can just take care of my own game and that is very important for me over the next four days."

"I can't rely on Graeme playing bad. I mean, he's playing great golf the last few weeks, and if I play well this week, if I try to win the tournament, then I will win The Race to Dubai automatically," said Kaymer.

The fact is a win for either upcoming golfer will underline their arrival onto the world stage. Kaymer recognised this week "as probably the biggest week of my career so far," while McDowell said, "I've never been in a position where I needed to come into a week like this and put a performance in, I don't think I've ever been in this scenario."

Despite this both men have been preparing very differently, Kaymer has spent all of last week sleeping, while McDowell spent last week competing in Hong Kong and admits to tiredness, but says thanks to adrenaline there's plenty left in the tank.

With a $7.5 million spread among the 60 participants of The Dubai World Championship, Graeme McDowell can upset Kaymer this weekend by winning or ending outright second provided Kaymer finishes no higher than tied for third.

If McDowell is tied for second, Kaymer could afford to finish as low as sixth to still be crowned Race to Dubai/formerly European Tour Order of Merit winner.