RORY MCILROY was visibly moved after matching Seve Ballesteros’ tally of Race to Dubai titles.
McIlroy, 35, held off Rasmus Hojgaard’s challenge to win the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
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This triumph sealed the Northern Irishman’s third Race to Dubai title in a row, and sixth overall.
Following his remarkable achievement, it was pointed out to McIlroy that his tally now matches that of the late Ballesteros, who passed away in 2011 aged 54.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McIlroy was clearly moved to be mentioned alongside his hero Ballesteros.
“It’s really cool,” he began. “I think everyone knows what Seve means to European Golf. To Ryder Cup players.
“(In the) European Ryder Cup locker room all we have are quotes of Seve. We had a changing room with Seve’s shirt from ’95, the last Ryder Cup he played.”
Fighting through tears, McIlroy added: “He means so much to European golf.
“And for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.”
McIlroy first won the Race to Dubai in 2012, before adding further triumphs in 2014 and 2015, prior to his current three-in-a-row haul.
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Ballesteros won in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1986, 1988 and 1991.
McIlroy is now just two behind Colin Montgomerie’s overall record of eight race to Dubai titles.
He finished his 2024 season on a high note, having endured some difficult moments along the way.
In June he finished as runner-up at the US Open, after three bogeys on the last four holes left his title hopes in tatters.
Off the course he filed for divorce from wife Erica Stoll in May, only for the pair to rekindle their romance later in the year.
On his achievement, McIlroy added: “It means a lot. I’ve been through a lot this year. Professionally, personally, and it feels like the 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 today…
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“I got off to a great start and then didn’t have my best round; saving par on 15 was huge, and then I had four great swings coming in.
“Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day.”
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