Glory for Rory at DP World Tour Championship
The Northern Irishman won both the tournament and Race to Dubai
Rory McIlroy capped off his season in spectacular style, clinching a sixth Race to Dubai title with victory at the DP World Tour Championship - a record-equalling third triumph - after he saw off the challenge of Rasmus Højgaard.
Starting the final round at Jumeirah Golf Estates tied at the top with Højgaard and Antoine Rozner, the World No. 3 faced an early setback. A bogey at the opening hole, coupled with Rozner's birdie in the group ahead, left McIlroy two shots adrift.
But the 35-year-old didn’t stay down for long. In a stunning response, McIlroy reeled off four consecutive birdies, surging into a three-shot lead and taking command of the tournament.
Højgaard, however, kept the pressure on, just as he did when beating McIlroy at the Irish Open.
He capitalised on McIlroy’s missteps at the ninth and 13th holes, clawing back to share the lead at 13 under. For a moment, it seemed like McIlroy might have to settle for yet another runner-up finish in a season filled with near misses at marquee DP World Tour events.
Then came the turning point at the 16th. With the pressure mounting, McIlroy delivered the shot of the week - a sublime approach from 138 yards that landed inches from the pin, setting up a tap-in birdie to reclaim the lead at 14 under.
Højgaard kept the drama alive with a brilliant par save at the 17th, but McIlroy put the contest to bed with a birdie on the final hole.
It marked his first DP World Tour Championship triumph since 2015 and secured a third consecutive Harry Vardon Trophy, cementing his status as the one of the Tour’s greatest ever players.
“It means a lot,” said an emotional McIlroy immediately after his victory.
“I've been through a lot this year professionally, personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. You know, yeah, look, 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, you know, I got off to a great start and didn't have my best in the middle of the round and Rasmus and I both struggled to get momentum.
“I thought saving par on 15 was huge. I made four great swings coming in, the wedge on 16, the shot on 18 and two shots on the last. Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on in during a tough day and got it done.”
McIlroy’s sixth Race to Dubai triumph was a milestone steeped in emotion, as it brought him level with the late, great Seve Ballesteros - a player who happened to be his father Gerry’s all-time favourite golfer.
The moment wasn’t lost on McIlroy, who wore his heart on his sleeve while reflecting on the achievement.
“Yeah, it's really cool,” said McIlroy on matching Ballesteros.
“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.”
To equal one of the sport’s most iconic figures is no small feat, but McIlroy has undoubtedly earned his place in such elite company.
While his on-course accomplishments have solidified his status as arguably golf’s biggest star since Tiger Woods, it’s McIlroy’s relatability that truly sets him apart.
Fans admire his immense talent, but they connect with the human side of him - the raw emotions he displays, the honesty in his interviews and his willingness to share both triumphs and struggles.
Montgomerie’s record in sight
Only one player now stands above McIlroy and Ballesteros in the Harry Vardon Trophy count: Colin Montgomerie.
For years, the Scot’s record of eight season-long titles was regarded as untouchable, but that once-unassailable mark is now firmly within reach.
“I'm up for it,” said McIlroy.
“I've just won my third in a row, and I've really made it a priority of my schedule over the last few years to give myself the best chance coming into the end of the year to win the Race to Dubai. I don't see that being any different for the foreseeable future.
“You know, going to go for my seventh next year and try to chase Monty down.”
Meanwhile, former World Number One Adam Scott and Shane Lowry carded final round 68s to finish in a tie for third at 11 under alongside Rozner, who birdied the last to earn a PGA TOUR card for next season.
LIV Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton was one shot further back in solo sixth, while Robert MacIntyre wrapped up the top ten alongside Joaquin Niemann, Keita Nakajima and Jesper Svensson at nine under.