Race to Dubai News, Results and Information

Hennie Otto Italian win seals place in the DP World Tour Championship Dubai

South Africa’s Hennie Otto is set to tee-off at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai after winning the 71° OPEN D’ITALIA Presented by DAMIANI by two shots over David Howell.

Playing in just his second event after two back operations this summer, Otto set the tone for the tournament with a stunning ten-under-par 62 in the second round and carded a final round 68 to record his first win since 2011.

“I was playing well before the injury but it is a surprise to win so soon,” said the 38-year-old. “Golf is not perfect and to come back after the operations and win in my second week, I will take that any day.”


The win was Otto’s third on The European Tour and his second Italian Open title after he won the event in 2008 by a single shot, finishing just one stroke shy of the tournament aggregate record of 262 in the process.

“I don’t know what it is about Italy – sometimes some golf courses just suit your eye and that was the case again for me this week,” said Otto. “It just felt good this week and I was comfortable on this course.”

With €542,497 now in prize money, he now moves from 64th to 37th in The Race to Dubai Rankings and all but secures himself a spot in November’s season finale for the second time in his career after he finished tied 22nd in the 2011 event.  

Runner-up David Howell is also now within striking distance of qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship as the former Dubai resident leapfrogs from 65th to 47th in The Race to Dubai Rankings.  The Englishman now has €456,102 in prize money and is just a few strong finishes from securing his place in The European Tour closing event.

Meanwhile there was agony for Race to Dubai number nine Stephen Gallacher who needed a win or a tie for second to qualify for Paul McGinley’s European Ryder Cup squad. However the Scotsman came just short despite carding a brilliant final round 65 that was only enough for him to finish in third place.

“It was a tall order but I am proud of myself the way I have played,” Gallacher said. “I’m delighted with 17 under, it looks just a little short but there is nothing I can do.”

Gallacher will now have to rely on a wildcard if he is to play at his first Ryder Cup at Gleneagles next month.

The season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai will take place at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course from Thursday 20 to Sunday November 23. The top 60 players in The European Tour’s Race to Dubai will compete for both the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai titles.

The top ten European Tour Race to Dubai rankings as of 1 September after the 71° OPEN D’ITALIA Presented by DAMIANI:

Rory MCILROY        €5,120,709
Sergio GARCIA         €2,275,712
Thomas BJORN        €1,759,931
Jamie DONALDSON    €1,705,445
Henrik STENSON        €1,691,231
Martin KAYMER        €1,570,937
Justin ROSE            €1,503,781
Victor DUBUISSON        €1,458,102
Stephen GALLACHER    €1,406,033
Louis OOSTHUIZEN    €1,226,249

 

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