Rory McIlroy has DP World Tour season title and season finale in sights after third round
Tim Schmitt- Rory McIlroy is tied for the lead heading into the final round of the DP World Tour Championship.
- McIlroy is in a strong position to win both the tournament and the season-long Race to Dubai.
- Tyrrell Hatton is one shot behind and remains the only player who can mathematically beat McIlroy for the Race to Dubai title.
- A crowded leaderboard sees 16 players within three shots of the lead, promising a dramatic final day.
Rory McIlroy is still firmly on track to capture both the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai, after grabbing a share of the lead heading into the season’s final round.
The world No. 2 endured a frustrating day on the greens but rallied late, birdieing three of his last five holes for a four-under 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates. That surge lifted McIlroy to 13 under, tied with Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
“It would be an amazing way to end the season,” said McIlroy. “I played well when I needed to last week, especially at the weekend. I put myself in position to try to get another win here. So yeah, really pleased.”
McIlroy, the defending champion, is chasing a fourth DP World Tour Championship title and aiming to secure the Race to Dubai crown for a seventh time — and an incredible fourth consecutive year.
Tyrrell Hatton remains the only player with a realistic chance of denying McIlroy season-long glory. Hatton needs a win and for McIlroy to finish outside the top eight, but a third-round 67 has kept the Englishman in contention, sitting just one shot back in a share of third.
The leaderboard is packed heading into Sunday’s finale: Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are all within one stroke of the lead, joined by Laurie Canter and Ángel Ayora. In total, 16 players are separated by just three shots, setting up a dramatic conclusion in Dubai.