Finale isn’t perfect... but let’s enjoy it while we can
WHAT does it say about the Race to Dubai and this week’s grand finale, the DP World Tour Championship, if world No 1 Jon Rahm, third in the standings and with a 1-4-1 record in three previous appearances in the event, doesn’t show up? Not fit for purpose? Or still full of intrigue, regardless?
WHY IT’S STILL WORTHY
No American has ever won the order of Merit, as it was formerly known, and now the leading positions are occupied by Collin Morikawa and Billy Horschel.
History is on the line therefore, with the promise of a fine duel between open champion Morikawa, who could dethrone Rahm as world No1 if he wins the Tour Championship as well, and Horschel, who claimed the WGCMatch Play title in Texas as well as Europe’s flagship event, the BMW PGA at Wentworth.
Both regard themselves as global players and have made it clear how much it would mean to win the Harry Vardon Trophy. The supporting cast is pretty illustrious as well, led by Rory McIlroy.
WHY IT HAS LOST ITS LUSTRE
THERE is no question the loss of Rahm, given his position in the rankings and record at the course, is a massive blow. It also needs pointing out that if the requirements for tour membership were as easy to fulfil back in Tiger Woods’ day as they are now, he would have become the first American to win on at least four occasions.
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
THERE will be another race next year, under the auspices of the shiny new DP World Tour. Thereafter, who knows? In 2023, the Americans are keen on a global series of four events held around this time of year for the top players, in a further move to keep them out of the clutches of the Saudis.
How that will sit with the climax of the Race to Dubai and whether the Tour Championship will be part of the series has still to be worked out with their strategic partners in Europe.
In the meantime, some of the elite are wondering why releases to play any event in Asia, once given automatically, are currently marked ‘to be determined’. The Saudis have bought the Asian Tour, of course. This isn’t going to end peacefully.
VERDICT
No oNE is pretending it is The open, but you only have to go back 12 months to Lee Westwood’s emotional victory — when Rahm and McIlroy were both absent — to see this is a week that invariably delivers. Given what is coming down the line, with the Saudi menace to split the game remaining a clear and present danger, we should enjoy it while we can.