Q-School a week for champions, grafters, and dreamers

This week brings us a snapshot, from every angle, of a career in professional golf.

Gary Hurley, at the European Tour school, trying to gain a proper foothold onto the Tour. Michael Hoey gamely trying to hang on to his playing privileges. And Rory McIlroy seeking to add a European Order of Merit title in Dubai, having already won the Fed Ex Series in America.

McIlroy possesses a brilliant competitive record around the World Course in Dubai, with two wins and only one finish outside the top 10 in seven visits. But having pulled out of the scheduled Tour event in Turkey two weeks ago, he requires a major slice of luck — most notably, Henrik Stenson needs to finish no better that 45th. Nevertheless, Rory can move a step closer to regaining the world No. 1 ranking from Jason Day.