Tearful Rory McIlroy Matches Seve Ballesteros' Record With Emotional Dubai Victory
Rory McIlroy secured an emotional victory at the DP World Tour Championship, clinching his fourth worldwide win of 2024 and sixth Race to Dubai Championship, equaling Seve Ballesteros' record.
Despite struggles during the final round, including four dropped shots between holes 7 and 14, McIlroy recovered with a crucial birdie on the 16th. He sealed the victory with a two-putt birdie on the 18th hole, finishing ahead of Rasmus Hojgaard.
In a tearful post-round interview, McIlroy reflected on matching Ballesteros' achievement: "Everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup players. In the European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes of Seve... For me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."
The victory caps a year of mixed fortunes for McIlroy, including a disappointing U.S. Open finish. He addressed his 2024 season with perspective: "I won four times and won a second Race to Dubai. The only two guys that had better years than me - Xander and Scottie - have had career years."
This win, while perhaps not his most significant, provides McIlroy with a meaningful close to 2024 and momentum heading into the new season. The victory demonstrates his resilience and ability to maintain elite performance despite the year's challenges.
[Tweet content preserved as is] Rory McIlroy on matching Seve Ballesteros' record 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Zp0lyPsuGJ