Rory McIlroy is eyeing up an “amazing record” as he heads into the final three tournaments on the DP World Tour this season.
The Northern Irishman finished tied for second at the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth last weekend, setting him up for a strong ending to the campaign.
McIlroy closed the gap on Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed after the American pulled out at Wentworth with a wrist injury.
Last year, the Masters champion claimed a seventh Order of Merit title, moving just one shy of equalling Colin Montgomerie’s record.
The Northern Irishman has three tournaments left on the DP World Tour, with the India Championship and then the two final events in the United Arab Emirates.
Commenting on his ambitions for the conclusion of the season, McIlroy said: “I’m excited.
“I have three events until the end of my DP World Tour season. I’m not sure what Patrick’s schedule looks like coming up, but I feel like I have enough opportunities.
“I’m going back to the golf course in India that I played for the first time last year, so I’ll know it a little bit better; and then going to Abu Dhabi and Dubai where I had a lot of success in my career.
Rory McIlroy is eyeing up an ‘amazing record’
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REUTERS
“I’m excited for the opportunity, and it would be obviously amazing to match Monty’s [Colin Montgomerie’s] record.”
McIlroy offered a gracious tribute to Reed after the American’s injury-enforced withdrawal.
He said: “Obviously Patrick and I have had quite the battles over years, whether it be Ryder Cup, final round in a major.
“He’s a great competitor and he’s played great all year. I respect him for how he’s went about it, and coming through here, he’s put his head down and done the work, and it’s actually been really good to see.”
Patrick Reed pulled out of Wentworth due to injury
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GETTYTrouble struck on the ninth hole, where Reed found himself in an awkward position near a tree root.
He attempted a difficult shot but was visibly in discomfort with his wrist immediately afterwards.
The American was unable to continue and was transported from the course by buggy, bringing an abrupt end to his Wentworth challenge.
JJ Spaun went on to win the tournament by two shots, with a score of 17-under-par.
Five things to know about Rory McIlroy | GB NEWS/GETTYSpaun shot a 67 in his final round, finishing ahead of McIlroy, Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Manuel Elvira, who were tied for second.
He became just the third American to win the title, following in the footsteps of Arnold Palmer and Billy Horschel.
The 36-year-old felt he had a point to prove after being left out of the Presidents Cup side, using his omission as motivation.
He said: “We [him and captain Brandt Snedeker] haven’t spoken. But yeah, I played with a huge chip on my shoulder. I definitely had something to prove this week, but everything happens for a reason.
“I’m so delighted to be here and just play this event. The extra motivation, I think that is the willpower that you kind of have, determination.”
