Special dispensation for McIlroy in the Race to Dubai

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has cleared Rory McIlroy to play in the Final Series of the Race to Dubai.

The Northern Irishman currently leads the standings but there have recently been doubts over whether or not he would be able to compete in the play-offs due to him not being able to compete in the minimum of 13 tournaments.

McIlroy missed the Scottish Open, the British Open and Bridgestone Invitational due to an ankle injury, ruling him out of three events that would have helped him achieve the required tally.

With McIlroy still recovering from his injury and also being involved in the FedEx Cup play-offs, opportunities are limited for him to play on this side of the Atlantic before the top 110 play in the Turkish Open.

After speaking with both doctors and the 26-year-old, Pelley has revealed that the player and the European Tour have come to a compromise that will see him play only 12 events to make him eligible for the end of the season.

“These are exceptional circumstances and I have taken this situation and the resulting decision very seriously”, Pelley told the European Tour’s official website.

“I have spent the last two weeks examining every angle and every possible solution and I have spoken with Rory and his team, as well as independent medical advisers and some prominent players.

“Therefore, after lengthy discussions, I have given him approval to play a minimum of 12 European Tour events this year.”

Tagged European Tour, Keith Pelley, Race to Dubai, Rory McIlroy