McIlroy clinches Race to Dubai; fifth time No. 1 in Europe

SUN CITY, South Africa — Rory McIlroy is No. 1 on the DP World Tour for the fifth time.

McIlroy clinched the Race to Dubai on Sunday without even playing in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He is assured of being ahead on the season points race regardless of what happens next week in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

McIlroy previously won the title in 2012, ’14, ’15 and 2022. Colin Montgomerie was Europe’s No. 1 a record eight times when it was simply the Order of Merit.

McIlroy leads Masters champion Jon Rahm by 2,083 points, and only 2,000 points are available to the winner in Dubai. McIlroy and Rahm both are playing.

Adrian Meronk of Poland is third and was the only player capable of catching McIlroy. But he had a 75 on Friday at the Nedbank and closed with a 72 to tie for 15th, not earning enough points to close the gap.