Rory McIlroy couldn’t hold back the tears after clinching the DP World Tour Championship and the Race To Dubai on Sunday, capping off a tough season with a triumphant finish.
Emotions ran high for McIlroy as he matched Seve Ballesteros’ record of six European Tour order of merit titles, trailing only behind Colin Montgomerie who has eight. This victory marked McIlroy’s fourth of the season but was particularly sweet as it was his first since May, following a string of agonizingly close calls.
Heading into the Earth Course event, McIlroy was almost assured the Race To Dubai title, with only Thriston Lawrence from South Africa posing a threat. However, McIlroy didn’t just secure the season-long title; he also won the Tour Championship by a two-shot margin over Rasmus Hojgaard.
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With a final birdie, McIlroy released a heartfelt groan during his interview with Sky Sports, as he held back tears, exorcising the demons of a challenging season.
The U.S. Open in June brought him heartbreak when he squandered a two-shot lead, handing the win to Bryson DeChambeau. More disappointments followed at the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship, yet he ended his season on the highest of notes.
“It means a lot. I’ve been through a lot this year. Professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024,” McIlroy shared. “I’ve persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn’t able to get it done, so to be able to get over the line today..
“I got off to a great start and then didn’t have my best round, saving par on 15 was huge and then I had four great swings coming in. Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day.”
Rory McIlroy impressed on Sunday (
Getty Images)
McIlroy began the day neck-and-neck with Hojgaard at 12-under-par, but after a promising start to his final round, he hit a rough patch similar to his near misses at Royal Country Down and Wentworth.
However, he turned the tide with an impressive wedge shot at the 16th to score a birdie and pull ahead of the Dane, and another birdie at the last extended his lead. Upon being reminded that he had matched Ballesteros, McIlroy had to hold back tears.
“It’s really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players,” McIlroy said. In the European locker room, all we have our quotes from Seve, we have a changing room with a Seve 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.”
“I’m up for [chasing Colin Montgomerie down]. I’ve just won my third in a row and I’ve really made it a priority with my schedule over the last few years to give myself a chance with the Race to Dubai and I don’t see that being any different for the foreseeable future. I’m going to go for my seventh next year and try and chase Monty down.”
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