Rory McIlroy has set his sights on a renewed battle with Patrick Reed for the Race to Dubai title after narrowly missing out on another BMW PGA Championship triumph at Wentworth.
McIlroy entered the final round two shots off the lead but could only card a 4-under 68, leaving him at 15-under and tied for second alongside Aaron Rai, Adam Scott and Manuel Elvira.
J.J. Spaun ultimately claimed the title after finishing two shots clear at 17-under, denying McIlroy the chance to win the BMW PGA Championship for a second time.
Despite the disappointment, McIlroy remained encouraged by his performance and quickly turned his attention toward the Race to Dubai, where Patrick Reed remains a major rival despite withdrawing from the tournament with a wrist injury.
“I’m excited,” McIlroy told reporters. “I have three events until the end of my DP World Tour season. I’m not sure what Patrick’s schedule looks like coming up, but I feel like I have enough opportunities.”
McIlroy will compete in the DP World Tour’s remaining events, including the DP World India Championship before heading to the Middle East for the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship.
The Northern Irishman is also chasing a significant piece of history. Victory in the Race to Dubai would give him an eighth Harry Vardon Trophy, bringing him level with Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight titles.
“[I am] excited for the opportunity, and it would be obviously amazing to match Monty’s record,” McIlroy said.
The BMW PGA Championship proved frustrating for McIlroy, who made several birdies during his final round but could not produce the finish required to catch Spaun. He reached the turn at 2-under and later recovered with birdies at the 12th, 14th and 17th holes.
However, he was unable to capitalize on the final hole and admitted that missed opportunities on the greens ultimately cost him.
“I had my chances out there,” McIlroy said. “I putted okay for the most part this week but I missed a lot of putts.”
Despite failing to lift the trophy, McIlroy was positive about the state of his game heading into the final stretch of the season.
“Hit the ball really well today,” he added. “Hit the best I hit it during the course of the week and encouraged with the signs that my game is going and just have to keep working at it.”
With three DP World Tour events remaining on his schedule, McIlroy now has another opportunity to close the gap in the Race to Dubai standings and continue his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth title.