PINEHURST HORROR STILL STINGS

Rory’s big regret is Major mishap

- DALE RANKIN

RORY MCILROY admits his failure to win the US Open still stings as he bids to match Seve Ballesteros by winning a sixth Race to Dubai title.

Thriston Lawrence is the only player who can prevent the Northern Irishman topping the money list for the third year running by winning the DP World Tour Championship-and even that will not be enough if McIlroy finishes 11th or better in the 50-man field in Dubai.

Equalling the tally of Ballesteros and edging closer to Colin Montgomerie's record of eight titles would be a fitting reward for a season that has seen McIlroy win three times and record nine other top 10s but missing out on an overdue fifth Major in June is still a painful memory.