The grand finale of the Race to Dubai, the so-called "Final Series", i.e. the four million-dollar tournaments that close the European tour, kicks off today with the BMW Masters in Shanghai. The golf championship of the old continent thus reaches the finish line, after a long and interesting season. Seeded in this confrontation, which touches China twice, Turkey once and finally Dubai, is the Swede Henrik Stenson, number four in the world and number one in Europe, extraordinary winner a month ago of the FedExCup, the US circuit, where he hit the Coca Cola Championship, the last of the playoffs and the final bonus, for a total of 11,4 million dollars in one go.
The European tour, with the Final Series, is inspired by the rich US circuit, putting up 30,5 million dollars in four tournaments, plus a bonus of 3,750 million. Respectable figures, which should appeal to many stars. In fact, in Shanghai the field is top-level: in addition to Stenson there are, among others, Rory McIlory, Graeme McDowell, Francesco Molinari, Luke Donald, Martyn Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Louis Oosthuizeen, in short, many of the international cream that he only moves for top races.
We note some excellent absences, such as that of Justine Rose or Sergio Garcia and, unfortunately, also of Matteo Manassero. Everyone has valid reasons for skipping an appointment like this, especially if his score in the standings is such as to guarantee him participation in the final in Dubai anyway. Furthermore, to play in the last tournament, it is enough to have played at least two previously, although those who do all three win 20% more points. The British newspapers argue that the European tour suffers from these defections, given the problems there are in finding sponsors willing to invest hyperbolic sums in this sport. The eurozone crisis doesn't help and the "championship" is forced to look more and more towards the east. The public wants great champions, so everyone should make an effort to be there.
However, the competition that begins this morning at the Lake Malaren Golf Club has all the hallmarks of a great appointment. Stenson is the man of the moment, the champion who, at the age of 37, has managed to climb the world rankings from the abyss, winning in the US what no other European had yet managed to win. He arrives in China with a problem in his right arm, but an MRI on site has ruled that swelling and pain are not symptoms of serious problems, so the Swedish giant is on the pitch without much anxiety.
McIlory is the former world number one, who everyone wants to see back on the top steps of the podium, even in the States. At 24, some slipping is understandable and he says he's not worried at all. After winning the Race to Dubai and two major tours last year, after winning two majors and after a sci-fi contract with Nike, a little dizziness can assail anyone. And then there's love with the beautiful tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, always on the verge of breaking, a difficult thought to manage in a sport that above all requires concentration. McIlroy is still number six in the world and last week in Korea he achieved an excellent result. In short, he's coming back and maybe he'll do excellent things in the Cesarini area.
Stenson and McIlroy are playing together today, in the last start, flanked by McDowell, in a confrontation to be followed. Just before them are defender of the 2012 title, Peter Hanson, with Lee Westwood and Thomas Bjorn. Francesco Molinari is on the tee at 9,50 (Shanghai time) with Tongai Jaidee and Mu Hu. There are 78 players: 60 come from the circuit among the top 100 of the order of merit, 15 are among the top of the Chinese Golf Association's money list and three are invited. The tournament is broadcast live on Sky Sports from dawn; repeated in the afternoon and in the evening.
The course is a par 72, 6800 meters long designed by Jack Nicklaus and inaugurated in 2011. For those who want to follow "The Final Series" these are the dates: from today to 27 October the BMW Masters Lake Malaren Golf Club, Shanghai, China, with prize money of 7 million dollars; October 31 – November 3 WGC – HSBC Champions Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China, $8,5 million; November 7-10 Turkish Airlines Open The Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Antalya, Turkey, $7 million; Nov 14-17 DP World Tour Championship Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE, $8 million.
