HOME ADVANTAGE

Adrian Meronk proved he had put the disappointment of missing out on the triumphant European Ryder Cup team fully behind him when he became the first three-time winner on this year’s Race to Dubai with victory at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters last month.

That triumph, aided by victories in Australia and Italy, saw Meronk move into third position on the Race to Dubai Rankings, while also supplanting Ryan Fox atop the Race to Dubai Rankings – PGA TOUR Eligibility ranking, where the top ten players, not already exempt, will receive PGA Tour playing privileges next season following the culmination of the DP World Tour Championship.

With PGA Tour status for 2024 already wrapped up, Meronk now has his sights firmly set on finishing the season as the No.1 player to receive a card stateside, with the leading member fully exempt next year while also securing a start in THE PLAYERS Championship.

“It would be massive to get a spot in the PLAYERS Championship,” said Meronk, who moved inside the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking with his victory in Spain.

“I had to change my goals for this year after missing out on the Ryder Cup, and being the No.1 ranked player to receive a PGA Tour card through the Race to Dubai is the priority. I really want to finish strongly to ensure I get as many exemptions as possible.”

This week marks the third start for the 30-year-old at the DP World Tour Championship, following a tie for 32nd in his maiden outing in 2021 before a share of seventh last season.

But he has arguably played the Earth course more than the majority of the field, with Meronk moving to Dubai two years ago.

“I’ve missed being in Dubai, I returned earlier this month for the first time since April,” he said.  “I’ve been looking forward to coming back ahead of the DP World Tour Championship.

“The Earth course feels like a home course for me, as I spend most of my time there when basing myself out here.

“I like the track, but I remember struggling with the grass and the layout when I first played there, it takes a bit of getting used to. I’m much more familiar with it now and I treat it like a home course. I’m really excited to be playing there again – I cannot wait to get going.”

With a plethora of world class players playing this week, any minor advantage could play a major part in taking home the title. Could playing at his ‘home’ course give Meronk an edge over the likes of Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy? We’ll find out come Sunday afternoon.