Emotional Rory McIlroy holds back tears after ending season of near misses in style

An emotional Rory McIlroy had to fight back the tears after winning the Race for Dubai title for a sixth time following his superb DP World Tour Championship victory on Sunday.

The four-time major winner edged out Rasmus Hojgaard by a couple of strokes to take home the title and end a season of near-misses on a high.

McIlroy has been on the wrong end of some epic battles this season, most notably at the Irish Open and at the US Open when he blew the chance to end his 10-year major duck over the final four holes.

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The 35-year-old has had to work through personal and professional issues in 2024, a situation which makes his victory today all the more special.

"It means a lot..." Rory told Sky Sports after the win before pausing to compose himself.

"I've been through a lot this year. Professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024.

"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 the legendary Seve Ballesteros with his sixth race to Dubai win.

"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."

With one European legend matched, McIlroy has his sights set on chasing down another one.

"I'm up for [chasing Colin Montgomerie down, who has 8 titles]. 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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