Rory McIlroy capped off an emotional rollercoaster of a year by winning his sixth Race to Dubai trophy, matching the legendary Seve Ballesteros’ record. The victory at the DP World Tour Championship left him fighting back tears as he posed for photos with his wife Erica and daughter Poppy.
It’s been quite a journey for the 35-year-old superstar.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Rory McIlroy
257
125
$90,989,348
“I’m going to look back on 2024 and see four wins,” McIlroy said after his victory. “But I know others will define my year by the tournaments I didn’t win.”
He’s not wrong. Despite racking up impressive victories, including two in Dubai and one at his favorite hunting ground Quail Hollow, 2024 was filled with both triumphs and heartbreaks for the Northern Irishman.
The year started with McIlroy softening his stance on LIV Golf defectors. “I was maybe a little judgmental at the start,” he admitted in January. “Not everyone is in my position or Tiger Woods’ position.”
His first win came early, taking the Dubai Desert Classic for a record fourth time. But the victories were often followed by near-misses that stung.
Perhaps none hurt more than the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. After the crushing defeat, McIlroy spent two days walking alone through Manhattan, processing what he called “probably the toughest day of my career.”
The personal side wasn’t any easier. Spring brought brief speculation about his marriage when divorce papers were filed, but the McIlroys quickly reconciled. “We realized our best future was as a family together,” Rory said in a statement.
Through it all, McIlroy remained deeply involved in golf’s bigger picture, advocating for a unified global tour while navigating the sport’s political waters.
“Golf is at an inflection point,” he said early in the year. “If we don’t make changes now, I fear we’ll have this fractured landscape forever.”
His final victory in Dubai seemed to release months of pent-up emotion. As he equaled Seve’s record, the typically composed McIlroy couldn’t hold back tears.
“It’s been quite the year,” he reflected afterward. “But I’m super happy with where I am in my career and my life. Everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to.”
Looking ahead to 2025, McIlroy remains focused on adding to his major championship tally. But for now, he can celebrate ending a challenging year on the highest of notes.
