The last race for the Race to Dubai title could be over before it ever begins.
Collin Morikawa, the European Tour’s season-long leader, recorded 4-under 68 in the first round of the DP World Tour Championship, the season’s final event.
On Day 1 at Jumeirah Golf Estates, No. 2 Billy Horschel shot a 2-over 74 while playing with Morikawa.
Both Morikawa and Horschel are vying to be the first American players to win the RTD title, which was previously known as the Order of Merit. Morikawa was 5 under par before a bogey on No. 17, while Horschel birdied.
“Throughout, it was really solid. The two bogeys [on Nos. 9 and 17] were obviously unforced, but I made a couple birdies out there and kept the momentum going, and it was a terrific way to start the first round out here “According to Morikawa.
The reigning Open winner is focused about more than establishing European Tour history in the biennial event; he’s only three shots behind tournament leader Rory McIlroy after 18 holes.
Four additional players have a chance to win the Race to Dubai, but they must first win this week’s event. On Thursday, none of them fared better than Morikawa. Matthew Fitzpatrick, the defending DP World champion, Tyrrell Hatton, and Paul Casey all scored 2-under 70. Min Woo Lee had a score of 72.
