Has America Ever Won the Race to Dubai?

By Michael Ferguson

The Race to Dubai is an annual golf tournament held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is part of the European Tour and attracts some of the world’s top golfers.

As an American golfer, you may be wondering if any Americans have ever won this prestigious tournament. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Race to Dubai and whether or not America has been successful in winning it.

The Race to Dubai

The Race to Dubai was first introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Order of Merit, which had been used since 1975. The tournament consists of a series of events throughout the year, with players accumulating points based on their performances in these events. At the end of the season, the player with the most points is crowned the winner of the Race to Dubai.

Previous Winners

Since its inception, there have been some notable winners of the Race to Dubai. However, when it comes to American golfers, success has been somewhat elusive. While many American players have come close to winning, none have managed to claim victory in this prestigious event.

Close Calls for Americans

Over the years, several American golfers have come agonizingly close to winning the Race to Dubai but fell short at the final hurdle. In 2010, Tiger Woods finished second in the standings behind Germany’s Martin Kaymer. Woods had a strong season with multiple victories but was unable to secure enough points to claim victory.

  • Tiger Woods: Runner-up in 2010
  • Dustin Johnson: Runner-up in 2011 and 2016
  • Bryson DeChambeau: Runner-up in 2019
  • Patrick Reed: Runner-up in 2020

These near misses demonstrate that American golfers have certainly been competitive in the Race to Dubai, but they have yet to go all the way and claim the title.

American Success on the European Tour

While no American has won the Race to Dubai, it is important to note that American golfers have enjoyed success on the European Tour. Many Americans choose to play in European Tour events as part of their schedule and have achieved significant victories.

  • Phil Mickelson: Winner of multiple European Tour events
  • Rickie Fowler: Winner of the Scottish Open in 2015
  • Brooks Koepka: Winner of multiple European Tour events, including back-to-back victories at the 2018 and 2019 CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges held in South Korea.

These successes highlight the talent and competitiveness of American golfers on a global scale. While winning the Race to Dubai remains an unattained goal for American players, their achievements on the European Tour cannot be overlooked.

The Quest for an American Victory Continues

As each new season of the Race to Dubai begins, American golfers will undoubtedly be aiming to break their drought and claim victory. With a wealth of talent and experience, it is only a matter of time before an American golfer manages to win this prestigious tournament.

In conclusion, while America has yet to win the Race to Dubai, its golfers have come close on several occasions. The quest for an American victory continues as players strive to make their mark on this global stage.

Whether it’s through bold performances or underdog triumphs, one thing is certain – America’s presence in the Race to Dubai will always be one to watch.