Rory McIlroy wins sixth race to Dubai title of his career to end year on a high

Rory McIlroy claimed the sixth Race to Dubai title of his career with Shane Lowry finishing four shots back in third place at the DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy needed just a top-11 finish to take home the end of year title, however, he wrapped up that win in style and heads for home with two pieces of silverware in his possession following a two-stroke victory over Rasmus Hojgaard at Jumeriah's Earth Course in Dubai.

The world number three joins Spanish great Seve Ballesteros in second place in the all-time list with six order of merit triumphs, with only Colin Montgomerie ahead of the pair with eight victories, and after a year of near misses and heartache, the meaning of the win was clear to see.

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"It means a lot. I've been through a lot this year. Professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024," McIlroy said when he spoke to Sky Sports after his win. "I've persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn't able to get it done, so to be able to get over the line today...

"I got off to a great start and then didn't have my best round, saving par on 15 was huge and then I had four great swings coming in. Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day."

McIlroy had to stop himself crying again when he was reminded that he had gone level with Ballesteros.

"It's really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players," McIlroy said. In the European locker room, all we have our quotes from Seve, we have a changing room with a Seve 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.

"I'm up for [chasing Colin Montgomerie down]. I've just won my third in a row and I've really made it a priority with my schedule over the last few years to give myself a chance with the Race to Dubai and I don't see that being any different for the foreseeable future.

"I'm going to go for my seventh next year and try and chase Monty down."

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