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McIlroy and Chacarra vie for Dubai golf crown
9 Nov
Summary
- McIlroy aims for eighth Race to Dubai title, chasing Montgomerie's record.
- Rookie Eugenio Chacarra leads Rory McIlroy by nearly 534 points.
- Ten European Tour players can earn a career-changing PGA Tour ticket.
The 2026 European Tour season culminates this week at the Earth course in Dubai, where the top 50 players will compete for a $3 million prize, the Race to Dubai title, and crucial PGA Tour exemptions. Rory McIlroy is in contention for his eighth Race to Dubai championship, sitting second behind Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra. Chacarra, in his debut full season, leads McIlroy by nearly 534 points. A victory for McIlroy at the World Tour Championship would secure him the season-long title, tying Colin Montgomerie's record.
Chacarra, who has won three times this season, needs a win to guarantee his Race to Dubai victory. He acknowledged McIlroy's experience on the course, stating, "Obviously, the odds are on him and he's the favorite." McIlroy, however, expressed excitement about his familiar position heading into the final event. Patrick Reed is also in contention, sitting third in the standings.
Beyond the Race to Dubai, 10 European Tour members not otherwise exempt will earn PGA Tour cards for the 2027 season. Both Chacarra and Reed have secured their spots, along with other players like Casey Jarvis and Jayden Schaper. Players like Oliver Lindell and Joe Dean are in more vulnerable positions heading into the final tournament.
