Graeme McDowell’s chances of overtaking Martin Kaymer in the ‘Race to Dubai’ look slim after Day One of the Dubai World Championship, with Kaymer leading the Irishman by five shots.
Going into the tournament, Kaymer led the Portrush man with the ridiculous transatlantic accent by €250,000, with McDowell needing a top three finish to have any hope of topping the Order of Merit list, which brings with it a prize fund of over €1 million.
Kaymer shot a five under par 67 on Day One in Dubai, however, which was enough to put the German into third place, two shots off the lead held by Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.
Despite nearly scoring a hole in one at the sixth, McDowell struggled and could only manage a level par 72, which puts Kaymer firmly in the driving seat.
Should he finish in the top two this weekend, Kaymer could also usurp Englishman Lee Westwood as World number one, a feat that would complete a remarkable year for Kaymer, who tasted victory at the US PGA in August.
Westwood, who won both the tournament and the Race to Dubai last year, currently stands on -3 after an opening round of 69.
