McIlroy: 'Race to Dubai out of my hands'

Rory Mcllroy sits third behind Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett in the rankings but will not be present at the first of three Final Series events.

McIlroy's no-show in Turkey is likely to harm his chances of becoming the first man since Colin Montgomerie to win three year-end crowns in succession.

Rory McIlroy concedes his chances of claiming a third 'Race to Dubai' title are out of his hands after he withdrew from the Turkish Airlines Open.

The Northern Irishman sits third behind Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett in the rankings but will not be present at the first of three Final Series events.

No reason has been given for McIlroy's absence, although some reports suggest concerns over security in the region have been a factor.

McIlroy's no-show in Turkey is likely to harm his chances of becoming the first man since Colin Montgomerie to win three year-end crowns in succession, but the world number three would not begrudge Open champion Stenson or Masters winner Willett the title.

"Yeah, I guess it's out of my hands," he said after finishing joint fourth at the WGC-HSBC Champions. "That's the thing. I took the decision not to go to Turkey next week, and those boys can battle it out.

"If I have somewhat of a chance going into Dubai, that's great. But if not, I think over the course of the season, they have had big wins and played well. They are two major champions, so I'm okay with that."