The Race to Dubai is a season-long competition on the European Tour that determines the champion of the tour. It is a points-based system that rewards consistent performance throughout the year. In this article, we will take a closer look at how the Race to Dubai is calculated and what factors contribute to a player’s points total.
Points Allocation
Points in the Race to Dubai are awarded based on a player’s performance in European Tour events throughout the season. The amount of points available in each tournament depends on its prize fund and the strength of its field.
For example, if a tournament has a prize fund of €7 million and is classified as a regular European Tour event, there will be 7,000 Race to Dubai points available to be won by the players. The winner of the tournament will typically receive 1,166.66 points, while players who finish lower down the leaderboard will receive progressively fewer points.
Rolex Series Events
In addition to regular European Tour events, there are also Rolex Series events that offer significantly more Race to Dubai points. These tournaments have larger prize funds and attract stronger fields, making them more prestigious.
A winning player in a Rolex Series event can earn up to 2,000 Race to Dubai points or more, depending on the specific event. This means that success in these tournaments can have a substantial impact on a player’s overall standing in the Race to Dubai.
Race to Dubai Bonus Pool
At the end of each season, there is also a bonus pool available for distribution among the top-performing players in the Race to Dubai. This pool is funded by sponsorship and other sources and can be quite substantial.
The top five players in the final Race to Dubai standings are eligible for a share of the bonus pool, with the winner receiving the largest share. This adds an extra incentive for players to perform well throughout the season and maintain their position in the standings.
Other Considerations
In addition to the points earned through tournament performances, there are a few other factors that can influence a player’s Race to Dubai total. These include:
- Major Championships: Players receive bonus points for their performance in major championships, such as The Open Championship and the U.S. Open.
- Final Series: The European Tour’s Final Series is a set of tournaments that mark the end of the season. These events offer increased Race to Dubai points and can have a significant impact on a player’s final standing.
- Race to Dubai Rankings: Throughout the season, players’ positions in the Race to Dubai standings are updated regularly based on their performance in recent events. This provides an ongoing narrative and keeps fans engaged.
The Winner’s Trophy
The winner of the Race to Dubai is awarded the Harry Vardon Trophy, named after one of golf’s all-time greats. It is presented to the player who finishes at the top of the Race to Dubai standings at the end of each season.
In conclusion, the Race to Dubai is calculated based on a points system that rewards consistent performance throughout the European Tour season. Players earn points based on their finishes in tournaments, with additional bonus points available for success in major championships and during the Final Series. The top five players in the final standings are eligible for a share of a bonus pool, adding an extra incentive for players to perform well throughout the year.