Rory McIlroy concluded an eventful year by winning the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, securing his sixth Race to Dubai title and tying Seve Ballesteros for second place in the European Tour’s all-time rankings.
Rory McIlroy capped off an eventful year with a win at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, securing the Race to Dubai title for the sixth time in his career.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman delivered a composed final round of 69 at Jumeirah Golf Estates to finish at 15-under par, two strokes ahead of Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard.
The victory marked McIlroy’s third triumph at the season-ending event and solidified his place among Europe’s golfing greats, tying the late Seve Ballesteros for the second-most Race to Dubai titles.
“I’ve been through a lot this year professionally and personally,” McIlroy said. “It feels like the fitting end to 2024. I’ve persevered this year a lot. Had close calls, wasn’t able to get it done.”
McIlroy’s steady performance in Dubai included birdies on two of the final three holes, highlighted by a wedge shot on the 16th that landed within a foot of the pin.
The victory was an emotional one, with McIlroy choking up as he discussed the significance of matching Ballesteros’ record.
“I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players. In the Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes of Seve. For me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.”
The win also concluded a year filled with personal and professional ups and downs for McIlroy, including near-misses at major tournaments including the heartbreaking end to the 2024 US Open and some rumoured challenges off the course.
McIlroy, who played 27 events in 2024, acknowledged the toll of a packed schedule.
“It’s been a long year. I’m looking forward to a little bit of downtime. I have a lot of friends and my family here in Dubai, so I’m sure we’ll have a good night tonight.”
While McIlroy looks ahead to the next season, his sights remain set on surpassing Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Race to Dubai titles.
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