Rory McIlroy stands at the brink of making history in the Race to Dubai as he leads the pack with a substantial 1,572.39-point advantage over Thriston Lawrence.
The upcoming HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship could see McIlroy match Seve Ballesteros’ record of six Harry Vardon Trophies. He’s already won it five times, and a sixth victory would place both legends just behind Colin Montgomerie’s impressive eight titles.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Anders Albertson
40
1
$556,905
The playoffs have some interesting math behind them. Winners will get 1,500 points in Abu Dhabi and 2,000 points in Dubai. Even Sam Bairstow, sitting at No. 37, has a tiny chance to win – but that would need McIlroy to finish dead last in both events.
We all know McIlroy is incredible, but nothing is guaranteed in golf until the last putt drops.
Lawrence and Rasmus Hojgaard are the only players within striking distance, trailing by less than 2,000 points. McIlroy could wrap up the title early with a win in Abu Dhabi, even though he’s never won there before. His last appearance at this tournament was in January 2022.
Interestingly, Billy Horschel, who ranks fourth, won’t be teeing up in Abu Dhabi. He’s one of six players in the top 70 who decided to skip the event.
The pressure is mounting as the DP World Tour season reaches its climax. If McIlroy maintains his form, he could add another prestigious achievement to his already impressive career. Yet, with significant points still up for grabs, the race remains open – technically speaking – to dozens of players who dream of pulling off an upset.
