Rory McIlroy Eyes Race to Dubai After BMW PGA Near-Miss
September 21, 2026 · Ana Castro
Rory McIlroy finished tied-second at the BMW PGA Championship, moving closer to Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai rankings. Despite missed opportunities, McIlroy remains focused on winning the Order of Merit for an eighth time.
Rory McIlroy Eyes Race to Dubai After BMW PGA Near-Miss
According to Skysports.
Background
Rory McIlroy's recent performance at the BMW PGA Championship, where he finished tied for second, reflects his consistent competitiveness on the DP World Tour. His close proximity to Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai rankings intensifies the rivalry, making upcoming tournaments critical for both players. McIlroy's history of runner-up finishes at Wentworth adds a layer of narrative to his quest for redemption and success in the current season.
Why this matters
Rory McIlroy's near-miss at the BMW PGA Championship underscores his ongoing pursuit of the Race to Dubai title, a prestigious accolade in the DP World Tour. His tied-second finish, while disappointing, keeps him firmly in contention as he closes the gap on Patrick Reed, enhancing the competitive narrative of the season. McIlroy's performance highlights both his skill and the challenges he faces, particularly with his putting, which could impact his future tournaments.
Key Takeaways
- Rory McIlroy Eyes Race to Dubai After BMW PGA Near-Miss.
- Rory McIlroy finished tied-second at the BMW PGA Championship, moving closer to Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai rankings.
- Rory McIlroy switches focus to battle with Patrick Reed for Race to Dubai title after near-miss at BMW PGA Championship.
Despite the setback, McIlroy's performance has brought him within 307.76 points of Reed in the Race to Dubai rankings. McIlroy is determined to win the prestigious Order of Merit for the eighth time, setting his sights on upcoming tournaments to close the gap further. "I think McIlroy left a little bit behind him on the greens - he had loads of chances," commented former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. "It was surprising for a guy who has really improved his putting over the past couple of years and looks so good over them, but he seemed to miss putt after putt after putt."
Looking ahead, McIlroy is scheduled to compete next at the DP World India Championship from October 15-18. He will also participate in the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in November, where he hopes to further his bid for the Race to Dubai title. With his focus sharpened, fans can expect McIlroy to be a strong contender in the coming events. His recent form and undeniable talent keep him in the race as he seeks to add another accolade to his illustrious career.
What happens next
Looking ahead, McIlroy is expected to focus on refining his putting technique to capitalize on scoring opportunities in upcoming events. With the Race to Dubai title within reach, he will likely strategize to maximize his performance in the remaining tournaments of the season. As he aims for an eighth Order of Merit victory, fans will be eager to see how he adjusts his game to overcome the challenges faced at Wentworth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rory McIlroy's final score at the BMW PGA Championship?
Rory McIlroy finished the BMW PGA Championship at 15 under par.
How did Rory McIlroy perform in the BMW PGA Championship?
McIlroy ended the tournament tied for second, finishing just two strokes behind the winner, JJ Spaun.
What is the impact of McIlroy's performance on the Race to Dubai standings?
McIlroy's performance brought him within 307.76 points of Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai rankings.
What challenges did McIlroy face during the BMW PGA Championship?
McIlroy acknowledged that a cold putter played a significant role in his inability to secure the victory.
What are McIlroy's future plans after the BMW PGA Championship?
McIlroy is determined to win the Race to Dubai Order of Merit for the eighth time and is setting his sights on upcoming tournaments.
