Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen reacts to playing alongside Rory McIlroy and earning his PGA Tour card in Dubai

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Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen very nearly stole the show alongside Rory McIlroy during the final round of the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday.

All eyes were on Rory McIlroy heading into the final round of the DP World Tour Championship, with a seventh Race to Dubai title within his grasp.

But his playing partner on the Earth Course also had plenty to gain. Neergaard-Petersen was fighting for the opportunity to earn a PGA Tour card for 2026.

It appeared that his hopes may be dashed when he made three bogeys on the front nine. However, the Dane managed to fight back.

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen reacts to earning his PGA Tour card and playing alongside Rory McIlroy

The 26-year-old played the final five holes in five under par. In fact, he had a chance to join Matthew Fitzpatrick and McIlroy in the playoff – which the Englishman would ultimately win. Unfortunately, Neergaard-Petersen left his eagle putt on the 72nd hole short.

It was still enough to earn the youngster his PGA Tour card, while McIlroy lauded Neergaard-Petersen after playing alongside him.

And Neergaard-Petersen has returned the favour with a post on Instagram reflecting on Sunday’s round.

He wrote: “Feels impossible to sum up this week. Playing with Rory today was incredible, and finishing strongly to earn my @pgatour card is something I’m really proud of.

“It’s been a long season with plenty of learning, so to close it out like this means a lot. Big thanks to my team for keeping me moving in the right direction all year.

“Congrats to @mattfitz94 on the win and to @rorymcilroy on the Race to Dubai title. A week I won’t forget.“

Ludvig Åberg is the inspiration as Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen now looks to make his mark on the PGA Tour

Neergaard-Petersen may not be a household name yet for those who predominantly watch the PGA Tour, but he does not lack belief.

In fact, speaking to the Ryder Cup website ahead of his major championship debut at the PGA Championship this year, the starlet explained why he hopes to emulate Ludvig Åberg in the years to come.

“Ludvig went to Texas Tech, which is in the same conference as Oklahoma State, where I went to school and we played a bunch against each other in college, especially the last couple of years over there,” he said.

“So, being able to see his start as a professional and how he’s been able to just break through immediately has given me a lot of motivation and belief.

“I competed with him, so I know if he can do it, I believe that I have what it takes to be able to do something similar.

“So just taking confidence in that and then just focusing on trying to get a little bit better every day and then over time I think I’m going to like where I’m ending up.”

It would be huge for Europe if they had another Åberg coming through. It will be fascinating to see how he now fares on the PGA Tour should he look to grab the opportunity with both hands.