The build up to this week’s 2021 DP World Tour Championship and the climax of the final Race to Dubai is now over. It’s game time.
I looked through the draw and it is remarkable to think there are 20 countries represented in this week’s field at Jumeirah Golf Estates of 53 players.
It just shows how the European Tour is a world tour in every sense of the word and next year it will be appropriately called the DP World Tour. Just looking down the draw with six Americans in the field, a nice nod to our European Tour alliance with the PGA Tour.
Looking back on this week over the years I have played in all but two DP World Tour Championships, missing out in 2010 and 2020. No player has played in all 13 editions and I am proud of my consistency over the last few years.
There are just six players who can win the Race to Dubai, with Americans Collin Morikawa and Billy Horschel at the top of the list at the moment. However, there are 53 players who can win the DP World Tour Championship this week with $9 million up for grabs and no cut.
This is the time of the year we all look at our schedules for the early part of 2022.
I plan to stay in Dubai for a few days after this week and then play in the two Rolex Series events in the UAE at the start of 2022, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links and the Dubai Desert Classic, which I won in 2012.
As in 2021, I am determined to have a fast start as this sets up the season for all my playing opportunities. But now the focus is solely on tomorrow’s first round and this week. It is important there are no distractions around such a big week.
Looking forward to speaking to you all after my first round. Wish me luck!
