Dubai: From stacking shelves at his local supermarket to teeing off with Rory McIlroy on the final day of the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Andy Sullivan’s meteoric rise was complete at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Englishman finished second at 20-under par, a stroke behind McIlroy, to not only launch himself into the golfing limelight but also record his highest take-home of $888,900 (Dh3.26 million) for finishing second in the event — and a further $200,000 for finishing eighth in the season-long Race to Dubai.
He may have won three events and recorded seven top 10 finishes this season — in his finest year since turning professional in 2011 — but in terms of clear breakthrough moments, this was it.
Having led for the first three days, Sullivan took a one stroke lead over McIlroy heading into the final round. This was maintained until the ninth hole before his Northern Irish opponent overtook him with a flourish on the back nine. McIlroy wobbled to save double bogey on 17, but held on for his second DP World Tour Championship win and his third Race to Dubai title in four years.
Amid the celebrations however, McIlroy only had praise for the runner-up.
“I knew Andy was a great player. You don’t win three times in a season and not be a great player,” said the 26-year-old winner of four Majors. “I witnessed firsthand how good he is in the first two rounds of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic this year.
“We played together and he really impressed me. He flights the ball really well. He hits it left-to-right, right-to-left. He’s got all the shots. He obviously putts very well. Any time I’ve played with Andy, I’ve been very impressed.”
Despite the disappointment of losing by a stroke, forever upbeat Sullivan said he was still proud of his performance.
“Portugal was a big turning point, I learned a lot about myself and the qualities I possess,” he said of his most recent win last month. “But even more so today, going up against someone of Rory’s quality and to stand toe-to-toe with him. For me it’s about doing it on a more consistent basis and getting up there and trying to get in the last group with Rory more often.”
Asked why he was always so happy even in defeat, Sullivan replied: “Obviously before I turned professional I worked in a supermarket. But golf is my dream and I’ve always wanted to do it. If I can’t enjoy it I’d best go back to doing something else, like stacking shelves.”
