Boom. Rory McIlroy eagles the last in Singapore for a 65 that helped him clinch the European Tour’s Race to Dubai two weeks ahead of schedule.Newly-minuted European No 1 Rory McIlroy has been named as winner of the PGA of America Player of the Year award and Vardon Trophy. But they are just the first of many gongs the 23-year old will pick up over the next few weeks as he puts the final brushstrokes to the best season of his career.

Padraig Harrington could be battling four rivals for the Order of Merit title in next week’s Volvo Masters

Robert Karlsson extended his advantage over Padraig Harrington at the top of the European Tour to almost €300,000 despite a disappointing finish at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.

Padraig Harrington will play the Jolly Green Giant this week as iceman Robert Karlsson bids to leave him out in the cold in the Order of Merit race.

Gutsy Justin Rose left Padraig Harrington with little room for manoeuvre in his bid to retain the Order of Merit after a brilliant comeback from a nightmare start in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

Padraig Harrington could hardly believe he was European No 1.

Striding into the press tent with a smile as broad as the 18th fairway at St Andrews, he grabbed the updated money list and joked: "I need to see the Order of Merit, just to prove it."

Like a man slashing his way through jungle territory, Padraig Harrington produced one last swipe of the machete and suddenly found himself in a sun-drenched clearing, clutching the Harry Vardon Trophy.

He could hardly believe his luck and said as much when he barreled into the interview room at Valderrama after one of the most heart- stoppingly exciting finishes to the Volvo Masters and the Order of Merit race.

Close pal Paul McGinley paid tribute to new European No 1 Padraig Harrington - and his run of good luck.

McGinley said: "Obviously well done and good luck to him. It is obviously well deserved. He got lucky, he knows that but you take your breaks and it is a great achievement and great to win.