Sunday 12 November 2017 19:53, UK
Tommy Fleetwood says he isn’t feeling the strain of being Race to Dubai leader after extending his advantage at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Fleetwood could have secured his status as European No 1 with a week to spare with victory in South Africa, but had to settle for a share of 10th spot as Branden Grace won on home soil.
The Englishman made €121,899 to increase his lead over nearest challenger Justin Rose - who wasn't playing at Gary Player CC - to 256,737 points heading into the final event of the season.
Only Rose and Masters champion Sergio Garcia still have a mathematical chance of topping the Race to Dubai other than Fleetwood, who was left pleased with a productive week ahead of next week's DP World Tour Championship.
"I've got to try and take my mind off it (Race to Dubai)," Fleetwood said. "It is what it is. I've played brilliant all year. I think to be in with a chance of winning The Race to Dubai is pretty special.
"It's not a burden. I don't feel stressed about it. I don't feel anxious. I just think it's great that I've got the chance to win it, and a good chance.
"As much as it depends on what they do, it is in my hands. I can take it out of everybody's hands, but we'll see. It's great to be in this position."
Fleetwood made a slow start to the week with rounds of 73 and 74 over the first two days, but moved up the leaderboard by following a birdie-filled 67 on Saturday with a one-under 71 on Sunday.
"Starting yesterday, I would have taken this," Fleetwood added. "Start of today, I would have liked to get more out of it. Overall it's a good week's work.
"I think looking back; it's that type of course where you're always going to feel like you've left some out there or that things haven't gone your way.
"I don't know how I'll feel next week. It's going to be a new experience and it's going to be a great experience. We'll see how it goes.
"Hopefully I can come back on Sunday and I've won both, I've won the tournament and The Race to Dubai."
Watch the DP World Tour Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage begins on Wednesday with the preview show from 11am.
