Overview
- Kim opened with a bogey-free 8-under 64 at Jumeirah Golf Estates to lead by one over Tommy Fleetwood, who carded 65.
- McIlroy shot 6-under 66 for a share of third with Thriston Lawrence and Andy Sullivan, two shots off the lead after three early birdies set the tone.
- Holding a 767-point standings lead, McIlroy would secure the season title with a solo second, which would move him one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record.
- Penge, who must win or finish tied second with McIlroy well down the board, stumbled to a 74 to sit T-46, while Hatton began with 70 in T-22 and needs a win with McIlroy outside the top eight.
- The season finale offers 2,000 points to the winner along with a $10 million purse and a $6 million bonus pool for the top 10 in the standings.