Rory McIlroy has triumphantly secured his third DP World Tour Championship title, capping off a phenomenal 2024 season with his sixth Race to Dubai victory.
In an exhilarating showdown at Jumeirah Golf Estates, McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard were neck-and-neck throughout the finale, both sitting on 13 under par as they approached the last five holes.
Showing immense resolve, McIlroy made crucial plays, saving par on the 15th and then clinching a decisive birdie at the 16th – his first in 11 holes – to edge past Hojgaard.
His Danish competitor's efforts fell just short; although he managed a critical par on the 17th to stay in contention, a missed birdie on the 18th left Rory two ahead with two putts for glory.
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Rory nailed the win with a single stroke, reflecting to Sky Sports: "It means a lot. I’ve been through a lot this year professionally and personally.
"It feels like a fitting end to 2024 – 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... I hung on and got the job done."
McIlroy's stellar performance required only a top-11 finish to claim the top spot of the season rankings, outpacing South African Thriston Lawrence, who needed a victory in Dubai but finished mid-table.
McIlroy clinched his third consecutive Race to Dubai title with ease, as rival Lawrence failed to mount a challenge, finishing the event one under par.
With this victory, McIlroy joins the legendary Seve Ballesteros in second place for all-time order of merit wins, boasting six titles to his name, while Colin Montgomerie remains at the top with eight.
A proud McIlroy expressed his honour in being compared to Ballesteros: "It’s really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf, to Ryder Cup players.
"He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath I am very proud."
Looking ahead, McIlroy is eager to chase down Montgomerie's record, saying: "I’m up for it. I’ve just won my third in a row."
"I’ve made it my priority to give myself the best chance coming in to the end of the year to win the Race to Dubai and I don’t see that being any different for the foreseeable future. I will go for my seventh next year and try to chase Monty down."
