'To be European Number One would be really special': Lowry targeting Dubai finale to dream year

Shane Lowry will sit down with the family for Christmas dinner in seven weeks' time and bask in the warm glow of an unforgettable season.

The Open champion knows that whether or not he comes from behind to win the Race to Dubai, the Claret Jug will be glittering on the sideboard and he'll still have another week off before he heads to Dubai to get ready for his defence of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title from January 16.