The current winner of the Golf Order Of Merit Title is Ernie Els confirmed his title in October 2003. Darren Clarke conceded the Volvo Order of Merit title to Els, by electing not to play in the Madrid Open. Clarke needed to win both in Spain and at the Volvo Masters a week later in order to pass Els, but was absent from both events. The Ulsterman decided to stay at home, ensuring that Els finished top of the European Tour's money list for the first time in his career. Els won four times to Clarke's sole victory at the World Golf Championships - NEC Invitational in September 2003. | 
