Danny Willett: Race to Dubai not the same without Rory McIlroy

Danny Willett insists he has no issue with Rory McIlroy being given a special exemption to remain in the Race to Dubai, even though that could stop him from ending the season as European No.1.

The ankle injury which forced McIlroy to sit out three tournaments this summer, including the defence of his Open title at St Andrews, means he will not play the 13 events required to remain in the Race to Dubai, even though he currently leads the rankings.

However, European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley cited ”exceptional circumstances” in granting McIlroy permission to remain on the money list by playing 12 events as he tries to win the Harry Vardon Trophy for the third time in four years. McIlroy is therefore eligible for a share of the $5 million (€????) bonus pool, and it also affects the top 30 on the money list on November 15 who qualify for next year’s Open, the top 60 who make the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and the 110 players who keep their card for next season.

Willett would also be entitled to significant bonuses from his sponsors if he won the Race to Dubai, but is happy to try to wipe out his deficit of €289,749 on the course, starting with this week’s British Masters at Woburn.

The 28-year-old said: “If he wins more money than me playing less events, so be it.

“I appreciate rules are rules and there could be a few implications down the line of who finishes 61st or 111th on the Order of Merit and this and that. But from a personal point of view, (winning) the Race to Dubai without Rory in it wouldn’t really be that great.

“You want to play and you want to win these things when the best players in the world are playing, and if he can get more money with injuries, that’s just good golf. You have bonuses from sponsors and bits and bobs but by the same token, you wouldn’t want to win it by not winning it. It’s all nice and well to get paid here and do this and that, but if you know inside you’ve not quite won it, it wouldn’t sit right with me.”

Meanwhile David Higgins fired a five under par round of 67 to lead the HBE Ulster PGA Championship at Hilton Templepatrick.

The Waterville man leads Damien Mooney (Ballyliffin), Brendan McGovern (Headfort) and Cian Curley (Royal Tara GC) by one shot heading into today’s final 18 holes.

It was the perfect start for Higgins who is attempting to overtake Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) in the race to finish top of the PGA in Ireland Order of Merit.

“That was the goal at the start of the year [to top the Order of Merit],” said Higgins after a round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

“It’s very important, that’s why I came up here to play. I’m not playing particularly great but I am trying my hardest. I putted very well today, holed the important five and six footers.”