Koepka guarantees Masters invitation

ISTANBUL

Koepka is seen after a shot at the Turkish Airlines Open in Belek. AA photo

American Brooks Koepka guaranteed himself a Masters invitation later next month by capturing the Turkish Airlines Open Nov. 16.

Koepka came from two shots behind to shoot a final round seven under par 65 and claim a maiden European Tour title by one shot with a 17-under par tally.

The Florida-born golfer also claimed a maiden European Tour victory in his 27th Tour start to deny England’s Ian Poulter who shot a five-under par 67 to finish second on 16-under par. Poulter had the chance to force a play-off but missed a seven foot birdie putt on the last as Koepka watched from the side of the green.

Victory will lift the current world number 61 Koepka to inside the top-35 on the rankings and the assurance of ending the year inside the top-50 and grabbing an Augusta National invitation.

McIlroy captures Race to Dubai

World number one Rory McIlroy was assured yesterday of capturing the 2014 Race to Dubai crown, rewarding the top European PGA Tour golfer of the year.

The Northern Irishman was not playing this week in the season’s penultimate tournament in Belek, Turkey, but made it past the post anyway when none of his nearest challengers - Sergio Garcia, Jamie Donaldson or Marcel Siem - were able to win.

That meant that no player could overhaul British Open and PGA Championship winner McIroy in next week’s season-ending finale in Dubai.

It is the second time in three years that he has won the Race to Dubai title.