Rory McIlroy is still on course to win both the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai, having taken a share of the lead heading into the final round of the season.
The world number 2 had a frustrating day on the greens but bounced back late, making three birdies on his final five holes for a four-under 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The surge took McIlroy to 13 under, tied with Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 15: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off the 18th tee on day three of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 15, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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“It would be an incredible way to end the season,” McIlroy said. “I played well when I needed to last week, especially on the weekend. I put myself in position to try to get another win here. So yeah, I’m really happy.”
McIlroy, the reigning champion, is aiming for a fourth DP World Tour championship title and is aiming to win the Race to Dubai crown for a seventh time – and an incredible fourth year in a row.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 15: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates a birdie putt on the 18th green during day three of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 15, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Tyrrell Hatton remains the only player with a realistic chance of denying McIlroy glory throughout the season. Hatton needs a win and McIlroy to finish outside the top eight, but a third-round 67 kept the Englishman in contention, just a stroke behind in a share of third.
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The rankings are complete heading into Sunday’s final: Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are all within a lead, joined by Laurie Canter and Ángel Ayora. A total of 16 players were separated by just three shots, making for a dramatic conclusion in Dubai.
This article was originally published on Golfweek: DP World Tour: Rory McIlroy pushes for season and event championship
