Rory McIlroy's sweet family photos as he says he has 'been through a lot this year'

Rory McIlroy triumphed over Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard to win the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and secure his sixth Race to Dubai title.

The Northern Irish golfer finished two strokes ahead of Hojgaard on 15 under at Jumeirah Golf Estates after a three-under-par 69 in his final round.

Speaking amid the event, the sportsman shared that he has had a tough year, both professionally and personally.

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"I've been through a lot this year, professionally, personally and it feels like the fitting end to 2024,” he told Sky Sports.

“I've persevered this year; I’ve had a lot of close calls, wasn't able to get it done. So to be able to get over the line, I got off to a great start, and then I didn't have my best around the middle of the round.

“I think Rasmus and I both sort of struggled to get any momentum, but I thought saving par on 15 was huge. And then I made four great swings coming in the wedge on 16, the shot into 17, and then the two shots in the last so really pleased with the way I finished. And, you know, thankfully, I hung on on a tough day and got the job done.”

After his win, he posed for some beautiful photos with his wife and the couple's adorable four-year-old daughter.

Rory and his wife Erica announced that they were divorcing at the beginning of the year, before calling off the divorce proceedings.

However Rory shared later this summer that the couple are sticking together.

“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together,” he told The Guardian.

“Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

A spokesperson said: “ Rory McIlroy's communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed. They stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.”

Since they first met back in 2015, Rory and Erica have been very private about their family life and their four-year-old daughter.

Rory and Erica met for the first time in 2012, when he was playing at the Ryder Cup at Medinah.

Rory popped the question in Paris in December 2015, and they wed at Ashford Castle in 2017.

They welcomed their daughter Poppy on 31 August 2020.