Tommy Fleetwood is eager to intensify the Race to Dubai drama at this week’s HSBC Championships, intent on preventing a “boring” victory by Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi. With McIlroy poised to cement himself as champion with a win at Yas Links, securing his third consecutive title, Fleetwood craves suspense leading into next weeks season climax at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Currently in joint-third at the HSBC Championship and trailing Paul Waring, Fleetwood aims to close the gap on frontrunner McIlroy, who is for now joint-13th. A strong finish from Fleetwood coupled with an unremarkable result from McIlroy could see the Race to Dubai thrown wide open.
Tommy Fleetwood does not want Rory McIlroy to win the Race to Dubai this weekend (Image: (Image: GETTY))
Fleetwood expressed his desire for uncertainty heading into the DP World Tour Championship, saying, “It’d be nice to have a bit of jeopardy going into the final event and for it not to be already decided,” before quipping, “Rory McIlroy is boring, isn’t he?”
An unwavering Fleetwood remains considerate of McIlroy’s capabilities but holds onto hope: “It is not even wise to rule out Rory winning here,” he remarked. “You know, there was a run of years there from 2017 through 2019 that each time I went to the finale with the opportunity. I can’t do any more than go win-win and see where it leaves me, but it’ll be difficult enough to win this one.”
McIlroy is currently tipped as the frontrunner to clinch the Race to Dubai, eyeing his sixth Order of Merit title. With another victory, he’s inching closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record eight wins achieved between 1993 and 2005.
McIlroy is hoping to win the Race to Dubai for the third year in succession ( Image: (Image: GETTY))
The golfer from Northern Ireland has been open about his aspirations, saying he’s driven by the prospect of breaking records before hanging up his clubs.
“I would like to go down as the most successful European of all time,” McIlroy declared. “Obviously, Race to Dubai wins would count to that, but also major championships. Hopefully I’ve got a few more Ryder Cups ahead of me as well. I think that is a goal that’s quite attainable over the next 10 years.”
