Those who question what the DP World Tour means to Rory McIlroy only need to look to his reaction after winning his sixth Order of Merit crown on Sunday, with the Northern Irishman very emotional after sealing his latest victory.
In truth, it has been clear for several days that Rory McIlroy was going to win the Race to Dubai. He needed to finish lower than 11th at the DP World Tour Championship to give Thriston Lawrence any chance of catching him. And ultimately, neither player was in the mood to create drama on that front.
McIlroy did win the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, beating Rasmus Hojgaard by one shot. It is the 35-year-old’s fourth victory of the year worldwide.
It also meant that he won the Harry Vardon Trophy for the sixth time in style. McIlroy is now tied for second for most Order of Merit wins, two behind Colin Montgomerie.
Rory McIlroy ties Seve Ballesteros for Order of Merit wins on the DP World Tour
It was significant that McIlroy moved alongside Seve Ballesteros given the role the Spaniard still plays in European golf – more than 13 years after his untimely death. And speaking to Sky Sports after he sealed victory, McIlroy outlined what an honour it was to move alongside the five-time major champion.
“Yeah, it’s really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf, to Ryder Cup players,” he said.
“European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes from Seve. We had a changing room with Seve’s shirt from ’95, the last Ryder Cup he played. He means so much to European golf, and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.”
McIlroy proves a point after difficult 2024 season
It has obviously been a tough year for McIlroy on and off the golf course. So it is no surprise that the emotions came out of him as his final tournament putt of the year dropped in.
| Years Rory McIlroy has won the Order of Merit |
| 2012 |
| 2014 |
| 2015 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
Given who he is, some will suggest that not winning the US Open makes this a disappointing year for McIlroy. However, it has been another historic season as McIlroy continues to prove that no-one does more on the course for both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.
And it would be no surprise at all to see McIlroy move ahead of Ballesteros for Order of Merit wins this time next year.
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