McIlroy conquers his 7th Race to Dubai: Surpasses Ballesteros and dreams of more

McIlroy Surpasses Ballesteros and Conquers his Seventh Race to Dubai Title

In a day full of emotions, Rory McIlroy celebrated his seventh victory in the Race to Dubai, surpassing Seve Ballesteros’s record, an achievement he described as beyond his dreams. Despite losing in a playoff against Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship, the Northern Irishman secured the overall season title, surpassing Ballesteros’ record of six titles, and approaching the mark of Colin Montgomerie, who holds the record with eight.

It’s incredible, I had a conversation with Carmen [Ballesteros’ ex-wife] before going out to play today and she told me how proud he would be.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy highlighted Ballesteros’ importance to the circuit and the European Ryder Cup team, mentioning how his spirit and words inspire the team. The golfer also expressed his desire to reach Montgomerie’s record, mentioning his achievement as the first European to win the Grand Slam and his ambition to be the European with the most victories in the Order of Merit and in the season races.

Fitzpatrick, for his part, took the victory in the tournament after a close tie, highlighting McIlroy’s tenacity. Fitzpatrick, who began the final day sharing position with five other players, achieved a birdie on the last hole to force the tie, where he finally prevailed.

He [McIlroy] is one of the few you know you’re going to a playoff with. You’re two shots ahead with one to play and you know you’re going to a playoff because he did it again the Rory way.

Matt Fitzpatrick

Tommy Fleetwood and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen shared third place, while Tyrrell Hatton, who had hoped to snatch the title from McIlroy, finished in 14th place.