Exclusive Interview: Rory awarded European Order of Merit for seventh time – Golf News
Before looking back at the historic milestone past Severiano Ballesteros, Rory McCrory reflects on a turbulent afternoon that started with total control, experienced costly stumbling blocks and ended with a stunning eagle from 18 that set the stage for a playoff and season-defining achievement.
Q: Before we talk about winning the Race to Dubai again, let’s talk about today and the events that happened, winning the final again. Tell us about today from your perspective?
Yes, a perfect start. 3 to 5 under and 4 to 7 under. It felt like I had taken over the golf tournament. There is a couple in front.
And then, yes, I had two bogeys on the 12th and 16th holes, but I didn’t birdie the 14th and 15th holes, the birdie holes. Obviously I knew I needed something to happen at the end. I actually hit a great shot on No. 17, but it came up a little short. Hit a great putt but ended up missing it.
Finally, I knew what I had to do. I hit a great 5-wood. I was lucky enough to see Rasmus’ putt earlier than mine. His ball paused for a moment before it started turning so I got a reading from him. It was a great way to end, heading into the playoffs.
But unfortunately it hit the water in the playoff on the 18th. Kind of puts me behind the 8 ball. But happy for Matt. He finished the season well. It was great to get on the Ryder Cup team and he’s been in that form ever since, so I’m happy for him as well.
Last year you equaled Severiano Ballesteros’s Race to Dubai title and this year you surpassed him. Tell us what it’s like to transcend his title.
I had a lesson with his wife Carmen before we went out today and she told me how proud he would be. You know, I said this on the green last year, he means so much to this tour and to the European Ryder Cup team. We are united around his spirit, his words and what he meant to European golf.
It was cool to tie him last year, but to pass him this year, yeah, my dream hasn’t gotten to that point yet, so that’s cool.
Now just behind Colin Montgomerie’s record eighth title. You don’t need it, but how much do you want?
I want it, of course I do. I saw Monty this week, he was here a few days ago and I met him. You see, it seems to be within reach now. I would love to be the European with the most wins on the money list and throughout the season.
You know, I probably still have a few years left and hopefully I can catch up to him and surpass him.
