McIlroy makes history: Conquers his 7th Race to Dubai and surpasses Ballesteros

McIlroy Surpasses Ballesteros and Conquers his Seventh Race to Dubai Title

In a day filled with 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 to Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship, an event that closed the season in Dubai, McIlroy secured the overall season title. This triumph puts him above Ballesteros’ six victories and just one short of Colin Montgomerie’s record.

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 Tour and the European Ryder Cup team, mentioning how they are inspired by his spirit and his words. The Northern Irish golfer also expressed his desire to reach Montgomerie’s record, stating that he longs to achieve his eighth title. “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 season races,” he added.

Fitzpatrick, for his part, achieved his third victory in the tournament after a day in which McIlroy rallied with an eagle on the final hole to force a tiebreaker. Fitzpatrick, who started the final day one stroke behind McIlroy and Neergaard-Petersen, won in the tiebreaker.

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 hoped to snatch the title from McIlroy, finished in 14th place.