EVENT:
DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, from November 15-18 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
WHAT IS IT:
Celebrating its 10th year, the tournament represents the final stop on the European Tour calendar. Played on the Greg Norman-designed Earth course, it pits against one another the top 60 players in the season-long standings: the Race to Dubai. Given the limited field, there is no cut. As the last of the eight Rolex Series events on the tour, the tournament carries a purse of $8 million (Dh29.4m). The Race to Dubai, meanwhile, carries a bonus pool of $5m, shared between the top 10-ranked players.
_____________
Read more:
Race to Dubai top 5: Justin Rose back in contention after Turkish Airlines Open win
Race to Dubai top 5: Best buddies Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood lead pack
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA elevated to Rolex Series status
[ Dustin Johnson and Tommy Fleetwood confirmed for 2019 return to Abu Dhabi ]
_____________
WHAT IS AT STAKE:
There are two main prizes on offer: the DP World Tour Championship title and the Race to Dubai crown. After this season's penultimate event, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, concluded on Sunday, only two players can be crowned European No 1. Italy’s Francesco Molinari, the current British Open champion, leads the standings with 4,709,921 points, while Ryder Cup partner and reigning European No 1 Tommy Fleetwood sits second with 3,684,755. A finish of solo second or better will guarantee Molinari the trophy, whereas to keep hold of his crown Fleetwood needs a victory, with Molinari finishing worse than a tie for fifth with one other.
PAST CHAMPIONS:
The DP World Tour Championship has had seven past winners, with Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson each posting two victories. McIlroy’s wins, in 2012 and 2015, sandwich Stenson’s successive triumphs.
Lee Westwood won the inaugural event in 2009, followed by Robert Karlsson (via a play-off) and Alvaro Quiros. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick won two years ago while Spanish sensation Jon Rahm is the defending champion after recording a one-shot victory, on debut, last year. The Race to Dubai – the rebranded Order of Merit – roll of honour comprises Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald, Fleetwood, Stenson (2) and McIlroy (3).
TICKET INFO:
Entry to the event is free, although spectators have to register for general admission at www.ticketmaster.ae