McIlroy conquers his seventh Race to Dubai: Surpasses Ballesteros

McIlroy Surpasses Ballesteros and Conquers his Seventh Race to Dubai Title

In a day full of emotions, Rory McIlroy achieved a significant milestone by winning his seventh Race to Dubai title, thus surpassing the record of Seve Ballesteros, who held six victories. Despite losing in a playoff against Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship, the Northern Irishman secured the season championship. McIlroy, visibly emotional, shared his feelings about this achievement. “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,” he revealed.

He means a lot to this Tour and to the European Ryder Cup team. We rally a lot around his spirit and his quotes and everything he meant to European golf.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy also expressed his desire to reach the record of Colin Montgomerie, who has eight titles. “I want that [eight titles], of course I do. I was the first European to win the Grand Slam and I would love to be the European with the most victories in terms of the Order of Merit and the season races,” he added.

Fitzpatrick, for his part, celebrated his third victory in the event. The final day began with six players one stroke behind McIlroy and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen of Denmark. McIlroy got off to a promising start, reaching four under par in the first seven holes. However, Fitzpatrick positioned himself for the victory with a birdie on the last hole, completing a bogey-free round of 66 strokes, which forced McIlroy and Neergaard-Petersen to seek eagles to force a playoff. Despite the playoff loss, McIlroy took the Race to Dubai title. Fitzpatrick commented on the competition with McIlroy: “He’s one of the few you know you’re going to a playoff with.” Tommy Fleetwood and Neergaard-Petersen tied for third place, while Tyrrell Hatton, who had hoped to snatch the title from McIlroy, finished in 14th place.