Davies needs every penny

RORY MCILROY and Rhys Davies, Walker Cup team-mates five years ago, are back together for the Northern Irishman’s defence of the UBS Hong Kong Open this week – but there the similarity ends.

While world number one McIlroy is celebrating topping the European andAmerican tour money lists amid reports of a new £156 million sponsorship deal, every penny could matter to Davies over the coming four days.

The 27-year-old Welshman stands 119th on the Order of Merit, and it will be the top 119 who retain their cards come Sunday night.

Normally the cut-off point is 115, but past winners John Daly and Liang Wen-chong and affiliate members Martin Laird and Prom Meesawat were excluded.

Even as the event finishes Davies may not know if he faces a return to the qualifying school.

The South African Open also counts and many of those hoping to overtake him are competing there.

Given he was being tipped as a possible Ryder Cup player two years ago, this season has been a huge disappointment for former amateur star Davies.

He has missed five of his last six cuts, with the exception being a joint fifth place at the Perth International four weeks ago.

Fellow Welshman Bradley Dredge, a World Cup winner seven years ago and an ever-present in Europe’s top 100 since 1999, is also in Hong Kong fighting for his future.

McIlroy need never worry about money ever again, of course, and starts as a strong favourite on the same Fanling course where he won last December by holing a bunker shot on the final hole.

The 23-year-old appears to like going in for the dramatic – the money list double was clinched in Singapore last Sunday when he made a 30-foot eagle putt.

“Hong Kong has always been a place I’ve enjoyed coming to,” said McIlroy, who has also had two seconds and a sixth place finish in the tournament.

“This week will be extra special after wrapping up the ‘Race to Dubai’, and I can’t wait to tee up as the defending champion.

“There will definitely be an added spring in my step.

“I love tree-lined courses and Hong Kong is definitely one of my favourites anywhere in the world.

“When you’ve played well and won on a course you’re always looking forward to going back.”

The stiffest competition should come from American Ryder Cup player Matt Kuchar, Scot Paul Lawrie and last week’s winner Matteo Manassero.

On-form Paul Casey, meanwhile, is seeking a fifth successive top 10 and will need it to be third or better if he is to be among the 60 qualifying for next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Manassero partners McIlroy in the opening two rounds, but the 19-year-old Italian said: “When I think of Rory I think of an impossible game to kind of imitate.

“It’s only his – he’s so good. He plays probably the best game in the world.

“He has really put everything together. Everybody expects him to play perfect every week.”

The Scots taking part are Colin Montgomerie, Scott Jamieson, Paul Lawrie, Stephen Gallacher and Ross Bain.

Rhys Davies needs to finish well to keep his tour playing card.