THE RACE TO DUBAI (AKA THE ORDER OF MERIT)

All is quiet on the Costa del Sol front following the climactic Volvo World Matchplay tournament at Finca Cortesin, so it’s a good time to concentrate on the final run-up to the Race to Dubai, which culminates on the 22nd of November on the Earth Course in Dubai. The leader after the final round will win the Vardon Trophy – traditionally awarded to the leader of the Order of Merit – plus an obscene amount of money, despite a 25% reduction in the final purse. The race is finally balanced and would seem to be a three horse race between Westwood, McIlroy and Kaymer, although the latter is sitting out the UBS Hong Kong Open, as is Ross Fisher. However, with so much money available in Dubai, anyone within half-a-million euros of Westwood, McIroy & Kaymer, could end up with the coveted Vardon Trophy.  As any of the top pros will tell you, it’s the ranking points that count – the money is unimportant. So why don’t they give the money to charity? (Just kidding).
Every golf fan’s favourite Ernie Els did his chance no harm at all by collecting 454, 260 euros (sorry, ranking points) by finishing 2nd to Mickelson in the HSBC China Open, although he had the tournament in his grasp after a perfect long  drive at the par five 72nd hole, only to duff an easy 5 iron into the water hazard way short of the green, turning a certain birdie into a tournament losing bogey. Very un Els-like. Even so, his 9-under-par final round was a welcome sight and should restore his confidence just in time for the season’s climax. Ernie has always been supportive of the European Tour and if Westwood or McIlroy fail to pull it off, Els would be the next most popular choice. My money is on McIlroy, who also finished strongly in China with a round of 63, which is the kind of form needed over the next 2 weeks.

Tags: Dubai, order of merit