Rory McIlroy fought back tears Sunday as he wrapped up an emotional year with two huge wins in Dubai, capping off what he called one of his toughest seasons both on and off the course.
The Northern Irish star clinched the DP World Tour Championship with a clutch birdie on the 16th hole, finishing with a 3-under 69 to win by two shots. But that wasn’t all – he also secured his sixth European Tour season title, matching the legendary Seve Ballesteros.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Rory McIlroy
257
125
$90,989,348
“I’ve been through a lot this year, professionally and personally,” McIlroy said, his voice cracking. “It feels like the fitting end to 2024.”
It’s been quite a rollercoaster for the 35-year-old.
He won four tournaments worldwide, but also had some heartbreaking near-misses, including a devastating finish at the U.S. Open where he lost by one shot to Bryson DeChambeau after missing two short putts.
Off the course, things were even more complicated. McIlroy revealed in May he’d filed for divorce, only to announce a month later that he and his wife Erica were working things out. Both Erica and their 4-year-old daughter Poppy were there to celebrate his victory in Dubai.
The final round was a nail-biter. McIlroy started hot with four straight birdies but found himself in a tight battle with Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard down the stretch.
That’s when he pulled off the shot of the day.
On the 16th hole, McIlroy stuck his wedge shot to within a foot of the pin, essentially sealing the victory. He finished at 15-under 273, earning a massive $5 million payday – $3 million for the tournament win and another $2 million bonus for winning the season-long Race to Dubai.
“To finish the year like this, it’s a dream come true,” McIlroy said at the trophy ceremony.
The win was his 37th worldwide, putting him in rare company among golf’s greats. When asked about matching Ballesteros’ record of six European Tour season titles, McIlroy could barely speak.
“Everyone knows what Seve means to European golf,” he said, wiping away tears. “For me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.”
The victory sets up what could be an even bigger 2025. McIlroy’s already targeting a seventh season title, which would put him within reach of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight.
“I don’t see that being any different for the foreseeable future,” he said. “Going for my seventh next year and try to chase Monty down.”
