With world No 3 Rory McIlroy and two-time defending champion Henrik Stenson sure to be in the mix at this week’s DP World Tour Championship, John McAuley tips five other guys to make waves at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The European Tour’s season-ending event begins Thursday.
[Pairings and tee times for DP World Tour Championship — Round 1]
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BRANDEN GRACE
One of seven guys vying for both the tournament title and the season-long trophy, but that shouldn’t burden him. Grace is in fine form, with two top-five finishes in his past four events, and he likes the Earth Course, too. Having appeared three times, the South African has come home tied-ninth and sixth. The less said about his 52nd two years ago the better.
IAN POULTER
A disappointing final round at the BMW Masters on Sunday, where he carded a 71 to finish tied-11th in China, has given the Englishman some extra motivation — as if he needs it. Typically tenacious, Poulter has twice secured the runner-up spot at JGE, in 2010 and 2013. He will look to conclude an uncharacteristically poor season on a high.
VICTOR DUBUISSON
The enigmatic Frenchman recently emerged from a trying 2015. Dubuisson’s move to the PGA Tour failed, but he was back in the winner’s circle again this month, winning the Turkish Airlines Open for the second time. That bodes well, especially on a track he likes: he was third at JGE in 2013, then tied-second last year. So, trending in the right direction, then.
JUSTIN ROSE
An obvious candidate, but that’s because he possesses the talent to back it up. Rose is one of the game’s most in-form players, with eight top-seven finishes in his past 12 events, including victory in Hong Kong three weeks ago. Another guy playing for both prizes this week, at a course he excels on. In the past three years, he has finished runner-up twice.
PATRICK REED
Always sure to make his presence known, the American has committed to both major tours — with impressive recent results. Reed has been excellent these past few weeks, finishing tied-third and tied-seventh in Hong Kong and China before Sunday’s play-off defeat in Shanghai. An unforgivably timid putt on the 72nd hole no doubt still gnaws. A rookie here, but at his best when has a point to prove.