Graeme McDowell is intent on finishing this season as Europe’s number one golfer.

Rory McIlroy’s goal of ending the season as European No. 1 has received a huge boost with his five nearest rivals, including closest challenger Peter Hanson, deciding not to contest two of the last three events on this year’s schedule.

While a Rory McIlroy-inspired Shane Lowry muscles his way into contention, Graeme McDowell was lucky he didn’t break his hand on day two of the WGC–HSBC Champions event in Shenzhen.

Despite a glowing result for Irish golf, with four men inside the top 11, there was no hiding Rory McIlroy’s disappointment at finishing runner-up at the BMW Masters in Shanghai.