It is clear that European Tour officials were upset that there wasn't a stronger field at the season ending Volvo Masters. After all, Ernie Els was the number one player in the Order of Merit standings heading into the final week of the year, but didn't show up for the tournament, due to a prior committment in Asia. Yesterday, the European Tour took action, announcing that in 2009, there will be a new year long points race called the "Race to Dubai," replacing the European Tour's Order of Merit. Players will compete year-long to get into the top-60 in the Race to Dubai in order to play in the final event of the year, the Dubai World Championship. The tournament will have a $10 million purse, making it the richest tournament in the history of professional golf. "I think it sends a message to certain other partners in the world that we mean business and we’re here to stay," said European Tour Executive Director George O'Grady. In addition to the season ending tournament, players finishing in the top-15 in earnings for the year will share a bonus pool of $10 million.
