Rory McIlroy has reflected on another remarkable achievement in his career after securing his eighth Race to Dubai title, matching the long-standing record held by Colin Montgomerie.
The Northern Irishman completed the historic milestone at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, finishing second behind Tyrrell Hatton to claim his fifth consecutive season-long crown.
However, it was not simply another trophy celebration for McIlroy. The 37-year-old became emotional after revealing that his father, Gerry, had undergone major surgery at the end of September and had spent the past two months recovering in hospital.
Speaking after the tournament, McIlroy dedicated the achievement to his father, who had encouraged him to win the Race to Dubai before he travelled to the Middle East.
“A lot,” McIlroy said when asked how much his father had been in his thoughts during the final round.
“He’s been in hospital the last two months. He underwent a huge operation at the end of September, and he is recovering well thankfully.
“When I left to come to the Middle East, I went up to Cleveland to see him, and he said to me go win the Race to Dubai.
“This one is for him.”
McIlroy’s eighth title puts him alongside Montgomerie at the top of the European Tour’s all-time Order of Merit list, a record that has stood for years.
Reflecting on the achievement, the Masters champion admitted that winning eight season-long titles was never something he had specifically set out to accomplish when he was growing up.
“Winning eight Order of Merits was never really in my list of goals when I was growing up,” he explained.
He also paid tribute to Montgomerie, recalling how he watched the European golfing legend compete during his younger years.
“I remember Monty being a stalwart of the European Tour and going to watch him at the World Match Play over the years.
“I am a very proud European, a very proud European player, proud to be a part of the DP World Tour and I am very proud of myself right now.”
McIlroy secured the title despite not winning the DP World Tour Championship itself. Hatton produced a superb final-round 66 to finish on 15-under-par, five shots clear of McIlroy, who closed with a bogey-free 67.
The Northern Irishman also enjoyed another outstanding season after successfully defending his Masters title in April, becoming only the fourth player in history to win the Green Jacket in consecutive years.
His consistency throughout the campaign ultimately proved decisive, allowing him to finish ahead of Eugenio Chacarra in the Race to Dubai standings.
During the celebrations on the 18th green, McIlroy was also asked how many more Race to Dubai titles he believed he could win.
“Let’s try for double digits,” he responded, prompting cheers from the crowd.
While the record-equalling achievement represents another major milestone in his career, McIlroy’s emotional tribute to his father gave the occasion an even deeper meaning.
With Gerry recovering from surgery, the Northern Irishman will undoubtedly remember his eighth Race to Dubai title as one of the most personal victories of his career.
