McIlroy one off the lead at World Tour Championship and in good shape to clinch Race to Dubai title

By The Associated Press on November 15, 2024.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits a shot from a bunker on the 4th hole during the second round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The path is clear for Rory McIlroy to clinch the year-long Race to Dubai title and be crowned the European tour’s best player for a sixth time.

He’s well in contention to win the season-ending World Tour Championship, too.

McIlroy hit a fairway wood from 265 yards to 15 feet at No. 18 and two-putted for a closing birdie in his second round on Friday, a 3-under 69 leaving the No. 3-ranked Northern Irishman one stroke off the lead held by France’s Antoine Rozner (65) on 9-under par.

McIlroy was tied with Tyrrell Hatton (69) for second place in the tournament but his lead in the year-long Race to Dubai standings looks impregnable.

Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can stop McIlroy winning that title – and to do that he needs a victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates. That appeared unlikely, with a 71 leaving Lawrence at level par for the week and nine off the lead at the halfway stage.

Adam Cockerill, from Stony Mountain, Man., sits last at 7-over for the tournament after shooting a 2-over 74 on Friday.

Rozner, ranked No. 154, was the surprise leader after making six birdies in an eight-hole span from No. 9.

He is one of the players seeking a high finish to secure one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for next season.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf