Order of Merit battle goes down to the wire, but Rory McIlroy knows what he has to do

Rory McIlroy goes into the season-closing DP World Tour Championship on The Earth course in Dubai with his destiny in his own hands. Victory will ensure the Northern Irishman lays claim to a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy for topping the Order of Merit.

It’s not that simple, though. A win for Eugenio Chacarra, who tops the standings, would give the Spaniard a first Order of Merit. Or a win for Patrick Reed, currently third, would also give the American a first title.