Rory McIlroy fought back tears as he clinched both the DP World Tour Championship and his sixth Race to Dubai title in Dubai on Sunday, matching the record of European golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
The Northern Irishman secured a two-shot victory at the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, finishing on 15-under par.
The emotional triumph marked McIlroy's fourth win of the season but his first since May, bringing a fitting end to a year filled with near-misses.
The victory earned the 35-year-old a combined £4million in prize money, including £2.4 million for the tournament win and £1.6 million for the Race to Dubai crown.
McIlroy's path to victory included a dramatic final round battle with Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard.
Despite an early bogey at the first hole, McIlroy responded with four consecutive birdies between the second and fifth holes.
Rory McIlroy fought back tears as he clinched both the DP World Tour Championship and his sixth Race to Dubai title in Dubai on Sunday
PA
The decisive moment came at the par-4 16th, where McIlroy delivered a spectacular approach shot from 138 yards to within 18 inches of the pin for a tap-in birdie.
His superb iron play continued at the par-3 17th, though both players made par.
At the 570-yard 18th hole, McIlroy sealed his victory with a final birdie while Hojgaard could only manage par.
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In an emotional post-match interview with Sky Sports, McIlroy struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his victory.
"It means a lot. I've been through a lot this year. Professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024," he said.
"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..."
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The world No 3 became particularly emotional when discussing matching Ballesteros' record.
"It's really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European and Ryder Cup players," McIlroy said, fighting back tears.
The victory provided redemption after a series of painful near-misses throughout 2024.
Rory McIlroy had to fight back tears after his victory
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At the US Open in June, McIlroy surrendered a two-shot lead with four holes to play, ultimately losing to Bryson DeChambeau.
Further disappointments followed at his home event, the Irish Open at Royal County Down, and at the BMW PGA Championship, where he lost in a playoff to Billy Horschel.
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Rory McIlroy has had disappointments this season but claimed victory DP World Tour Championship
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Looking ahead, McIlroy expressed his determination to surpass Colin Montgomerie's record of eight European Tour order of merit titles.
"I'm going to go for my seventh next year and try and chase Monty down," he declared.
