Rahmbo set for first blood as Rory rallies in Dubai
JOSE-MARIA OLAZABAL never managed it. Neither did Sergio Garcia. Indeed, you have to go back to the great Seve Ballesteros in 1991 and the sixth of his victories in the season-long race, to find the last time a Spaniard won the Harry Vardon Trophy.
Jon Rahm is poised to step up in his blossoming career by winning the modern version of the old Order of Merit — the Race to Dubai.
It is far from a done deal. There are all sorts of twists and turns that are possible; all manner of scenarios that could develop during what promises to be an enthralling finale to the European Tour season.
But it would be a brave man who bets against the 25-year-old Rahm from achieving something that only one Spanish legend has managed to this point.
‘It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it,’ said Rahm, who hails from the Basque village of Barrika. ‘Any time you can join a list where there’s only one Spaniard and it’s Seve, it’s very emotional. When you think that players of the calibre of Jose-Maria or Sergio didn’t win it, what a proud moment it would be.’
Rahm, who won Dubai’s seasonending DP World Tour Championship two years ago, is tied for the lead this time with plucky Frenchman, Michael Lorenzo-Vera after a third round 66 yesterday.
He needs a top-two finish to win the Race to Dubai, and will be wary of the fact that Rory McIlroy bounced back into contention in typically flamboyant style with a 65 to lurk just two behind in third place. Tommy Fleetwood had two birdies in his last five holes for a 70 to be four behind in fourth spot, and still very much in the picture.
McIlroy cannot win the overall contest but he can clearly be a thorn in Rahm’s side. ‘It’s great to put myself back in contention to win the event,’ he. ‘It’s obviously going to be a heck of a day with Rahmbo right there and Tommy, while Mike is holding steady. But if
I could make it five wins for the season and equal my career-best haul, it would be the perfect end to a great year.’
Shane Lowry had two late bogeys that felt like ‘a kick in the teeth’ despite carding a 68 to move up to 13th in his bid for a top-two finish.
Bernd Wiesberger of Austria missed a short putt at the 18th for a 73 and tossed his ball into the water hazard in frustration. On two under, a distant 13 shots off the lead, he is in a helpless position if Rahm wins or is second on his own.
But if McIlroy, say, catches Rahm and Lorenzo-Vera wins the event, get the calculator out. Wiesberger would need to finish solo 21st or better to hang on to his lead — and right now he is joint 24th.