Rory McIlroy celebrated not only his own victory at the DP World Tour Championship but also the achievement of Tom McKibbin, who secured a PGA Tour card for the first time.

McIlroy ended his season on a high note in the Middle East, winning the championship and earning his sixth Race to Dubai crown. This triumph, which came with a £5 million ($6.3 million) bonus, allowed McIlroy to match Seve Ballesteros in Order of Merit wins.

The 35-year-old’s win was significant as he continues his quest to become the most successful European golfer ever. However, he wasn’t the only one celebrating. A total of 10 other players, including McKibbin, also received rewards.

The top-10 ranked players in the Race to Dubai Rankings (not already exempt) earned full PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season. McIlroy has built a strong bond with his fellow Northern Irishman, McKibbin, and was there to congratulate him when he came off the green at the Earth Course on Sunday.

Despite being crowned champion, McIlroy quickly shifted his focus to McKibbin. In a heartwarming moment, McIlroy asked the young McKibbin if he had made it onto the PGA Tour. With a humble smile and nod, McKibbin confirmed his achievement before being embraced by McIlroy.

“Yeah, very exciting,” McKibbin said of securing his card. “Yeah it would be great to be over there on the PGA Tour. A tour I’ve watched alongside, and it will be great over there and play some golf.”

Rory McIlroy ended his long wait for a victory in style on Sunday

Rory McIlroy ended his long wait for a victory in style on Sunday ( 

Image:

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Confident that he has the ability to compete in the United States, McKibbin added: “Seems like I like to play on some of the harder courses and that suits my game a little more, so it will be exciting to get over there and see how it goes.”

In an unexpected twist, McIlroy revealed he was keeping tabs on his fellow Northern Irishman’s progress during Sunday’s final round. “I was looking at the leaderboard and I saw Tom got in the top 10 and I thought okay, good,” he said in a press conference.

“When I was walking off the last, I didn’t see his name and I see him before I signed my card and he was congratulating me, and I didn’t want to ask – I said, ‘Yay or nay?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ I’m happy for him. That was a massive goal for him was to get one of those ten cards and go play in America. Super happy for him.”