A tumultuous year for Rory McIlroy has ended on top.
The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland birdied two of his final three holes Sunday at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai to win the 2024 DP World Tour Championship for the third more. Even more significant, McIlroy’s win gave him the Race to Dubai title for the sixth time, tying him with Seve Ballesteros for the second most in DP World Tour history. Colin Montgomerie has the most with eight.
“I’ve been through a lot this year professionally, personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024,” McIlroy said. “You know, yeah, look, I’ve persevered this year a lot. Had close calls. Wasn’t able to get it done.
“So the to be able to get over the line, you know … really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day and got it done.”
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland smiles with his Wife, Erica Stoll and Daughter, Poppy McIlroy alongside the DP World Tour Championship trophy and the Race to Dubai trophy on the 18th green following victory on day four of the DP World Tour Championship 2024 at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 17, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
McIlroy earned $3 million for the victory, finishing at 15 under for the week and topping Rasmus Hojgaard by two shots. McIlroy was the only golfer in the field to shoot in the 60s every round, and closing in 69 was enough for his biggest win of the year.
And on top of everything, matching Ballesteros’ record is something that brought McIlroy to tears when discussing.
“Yeah, it’s really cool,” McIlroy said. “I think everyone know what is Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup players. European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes of Seve. We had a changing room with Seve’s shirt from ’95, the last Ryder Cup he played. He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.”
Rory McIlroy on matching Seve Ballesteros’ record
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— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 17, 2024
Shane Lowry and Adam Scott were in a group that finished T-3 and four shots back. Tyrrell Hatton came in solo sixth at 10 under.
But the day, and the season, belonged to McIlroy. And if he’s still winning season-long races during what many would believe to be an “off” year, who knows what’s to come for world No. 3.
“It’s been a long year, my 27th tournament, which is a lot to me,” he said. “Looking forward to a little bit of downtime. Have a lot of friends and my family here in Dubai, so I’m sure we’ll have a good night tonight.”