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Aaron Rai Wins Rory McIlroy Award With 1,876.5 Points

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 11:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Aaron Rai Wins Award

Aaron Rai won the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award after earning 1,876.5 Race to Dubai points.
He secured the award by winning the 2026 PGA Championship, the first English champion in 107 years.
Rai finished 9-under at the PGA Championship for his maiden major victory.
McIlroy praised Rai as hardworking and talented, saying the award was well-deserved.

Summary

Rory McIlroy Tweaks Swing

Patrick Reed posted a 68 to try to keep Rory McIlroy off the Race to Dubai lead.
Rory McIlroy is tweaking his swing, admitting it works better on the range than in competition.
Matt Fitzpatrick said he feels uncomfortable playing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai amid the Middle East conflict.
Rory McIlroy reassured he feels safe in the United Arab Emirates and praised his friends and the region.

History

Historical Context

In 1989 the European Tour introduced the Dubai Desert Classic, the first ranking event on the Arabian Peninsula, launching Dubai’s government “Dubai Golf” program to grow tourism. The 1995 edition, broadcast live on the Golf Channel and won by Fred Couples, proved the Gulf could attract world-class players. By 2026 the tournament offers a $9 million purse, underscoring the lasting impact of that early expansion.

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Aaron Rai Wins Award

Aaron Rai won the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award after earning 1,876.5 Race to Dubai points.
He secured the award by winning the 2026 PGA Championship, the first English champion in 107 years.
Rai finished 9-under at the PGA Championship for his maiden major victory.
McIlroy praised Rai as hardworking and talented, saying the award was well-deserved.

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