Hoey thrilled by Dubai qualification
Michael Hoey is ecstatic about qualifying for the lucrative Dubai World Championship after his victory on the weekend.
Michael Hoey is ecstatic about qualifying for the lucrative Dubai World Championship after his victory on the weekend.
Hoey’s victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday lifted him into the top 15 on the Race to Dubai money list, well within the top 60 cut-off point that qualify for the season-ender on the European Tour.
The €588,148 first prize the Northern Irishman received for holding off his compatriots Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell propelled hm from 83rd on the Race to Dubai to 15th, and had given him a chance of earning a share of the US$7.5million end of season Bonus Pool.
“It’s just amazing what winning a big tournament can do for you,” said Hoey.
“Winning the Dunhill Links will open a lot of doors for me and getting into huge tournaments like the Dubai World Championship is one of the biggest benefits. I’m ecstatic.
“To move from 83rd to 15th in the Race to Dubai in one go is unbelievable really. Trying to get into the Dubai World Championship was one of my goals before winning in St Andrews but I don’t have to worry about any of that now.
“I can’t wait to get to Dubai – it will be a great way to end the season.”
Other significant movers on the Race to Dubai after Sunday’s final round at St Andrews include Scottish duo George Murray and Marc Warren, who both put in fine performances on home soil.
Murray, a Tour rookie, finished in a tie for third alongside McDowell, worth €198,677 and providing a jump from 180th to 87th, therebe securing his Tour card for next season.
Warren’d tied fifth position earned him €126,334 and a jump from 155th to 105th.
The only change in the top 10 was Simon Dyson, who leapfrogged Darren Clarke into eight position.
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