Rory McIlroy has been likened to two of golf’s greatest legends, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, following his DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai victories.
McIlroy clinched the DP World Tour’s season finale for the third time in his career, securing his sixth season-long title to equal Seve Ballesteros’ tally.
This marked a triumphant end to a rollercoaster year for the 35-year-old, who despite winning four times on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in 2024, also had several near-misses.
His victory at Jumeriah Golf Estates on Sunday was particularly noteworthy, as he kicked off with a strong start and maintained a professional performance throughout.
Despite starting the day with a bogey, McIlroy quickly bounced back by making four consecutive birdies in his next four holes, taking the outright lead.
However, his round then hit a bit of a snag, as the four-time major champion played his next 10 holes in two-over, allowing Rasmus Hojgaard to catch up.
But McIlroy’s experience overpowered the young Dane, as he scored his fifth birdie of the day thanks to an exceptional approach into the par-four 15th that resulted in a tap-in birdie.
Hojgaard could only make par, while McIlroy continued to assert his dominance in the following hole. Taking the lead, he delivered an exceptional six-iron shot onto the green of the formidable par-three 17th, while Hojgaard’s attempt veered left.
McIlroy’s recent struggles to seal victories were forgotten as he demonstrated a composed and strategic approach in Dubai on Sunday, drawing comparisons to some of the greats.
Following McIlroy’s stellar performance at the 17th, Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray lauded: “The finish of McIlroy looking like a Tiger Woods finish. A Jack Nicklaus finish.”
High praise indeed for the 35-year-old who has had his share of challenges this season. After both players made par, McIlroy advanced to the 18th hole with a one-shot lead, eventually securing a two-shot victory by outperforming Hojgaard’s par with a birdie at the last hole. Alongside mentions of Woods and Nicklaus, McIlroy has also been likened to European legend Ballesteros.
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Matching Ballesteros’ record clearly meant a lot to McIlroy. “Yeah, it’s really cool,” he said of drawing level with Ballesteros while fighting back the tears. “I think everyone know what is Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup players.
“European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes of Seve. We had a changing room with Seve’s shirt from ’95, the last Ryder Cup he played (tearing up). He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.
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