2024-11-17 16:18:00
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rory McIlroy ended a tumultuous year on and off the golf course with a pair of trophies and plenty of tears.
McIlroy birdied a wedge from one foot on No. 16 to break a tie with Rasmus Hoggard and finish the week at 3-under 69. A two-shot victory at the World Tour Championship. He also won the title of European Player of the Year for the sixth time.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman was then left speechless, choked with emotion as he thought about this year’s wins and losses and everything else.
“I’ve been through a lot this year, both professionally and personally,” McIlroy said. “This seems like the right ending for 2024. I’ve held on a lot this year.”
He won four titles, two of them on the PGA Tour, and tied the late Seve Ballesteros for the most at the Race to Dubai. Sixth title won (previously the Medal of Honor). Two more and he would tie Colin Montgomery’s record.
“Over the last few years I’ve definitely made this a priority on my calendar to give myself the best chance of winning the Race to Dubai at the end of the year. I don’t see that changing in the foreseeable future.” Next year I will do my seventh race and try to catch Monty. “
He also missed two short putts on the final three holes at Pinewood No. 2 to miss a chance at the U.S. Open, finishing one shot behind Bryson DeChambeau. He was on the verge of winning on home soil until Hoygaard surprised him with a belated comeback at the Irish Open at Royal Countryside.
McIlroy revealed in May that she had filed for divorce, and equally surprising was the news a month later that the divorce proceedings had been dropped and that they would try to work things out. His wife Erica and 4-year-old daughter Poppy were in Dubai to cheer on his latest victory.
It meant a lot to McIlroy and his emotion when he finished showed that.
“It’s a dream come true to end the year like this,” McIlroy said at the closing ceremony, where he lifted the massive World Tour Championship trophy and season-point-winning Harry Varden. Trophy.
“It’s difficult sometimes,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of pivotal moments. “To end the year the way we did today means the world to me. “
McIlroy had four consecutive birdies on the second hole to move three shots ahead of the Dane, whose twin brother Nikola won the tournament last year. Hoygaard closed the gap with a birdie on the seventh hole, and McIlroy missed shots on the ninth and 13th holes.
McIlroy took control of the match with a wedge on No. 16, and Hoygaard couldn’t catch that birdie and didn’t. He finished with a 71 but only parred the final 11 holes.
McIlroy ended up with a score of 15-under-par 273 and earned $5 million in earnings: $3 million from tournament bonuses and another $2 million from the Race to Dubai bonus.
McIlroy won for his 37th time at the world level as he looks to join the ranks of Europe’s greats. He was moved by the mention of Ballesteros because of what the Spaniard means to the development of the European Tour.
“I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and the Ryder Cup players. (In) the European Ryder Cup locker room, all we get is Seve’s quotes. We have Seve in the locker room. Vee’s 1995 jersey, which was his last Ryder Cup,” McIlroy said as he wiped away tears.
“I’m very proud that I’m mentioned in the same sentence.”
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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How has Rory McIlroy’s family supported him during his tumultuous year, and what does their presence mean to him?
**Interview with Rory McIlroy: Reflecting on a Year of Triumph and Trials**
**Editor:** Rory, congratulations on your victory at the World Tour Championship and being named European Player of the Year for the sixth time. How does it feel to end such a tumultuous year on a high note?
**Rory McIlroy:** Thank you! It feels amazing. It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for me, both on and off the course. Winning these trophies really gives me a sense of closure and accomplishment. After everything I’ve been through, it feels like the right ending for 2024.
**Editor:** You’ve spoken about the challenges you faced this year, both professionally and personally. Can you elaborate on what those challenges were?
**Rory McIlroy:** Absolutely. The professional side involved some tough losses, like missing key putts that cost me opportunities at major events. On a personal level, it’s been a difficult time with my marriage. I filed for divorce earlier this year but then decided to work things out with Erica. Having her and my daughter Poppy here in Dubai to support me means the world.
**Editor:** It sounds like balancing your personal and professional life has been a significant challenge. How have you managed that balance, especially during such an emotional time?
**Rory McIlroy:** It’s been a learning experience for sure. I’ve had to prioritize my mental health and find ways to channel my emotions into my game. Golf can be incredibly demanding, but I’ve leaned on my support system and tried to keep my focus where it needed to be. Winning helps, but so does having my family by my side.
**Editor:** You’ve set the goal to tie Colin Montgomerie’s record for titles at the Race to Dubai next year. What does that ambition mean to you?
**Rory McIlroy:** It’s a big motivation for me. I’ve made it a priority, and I want to keep pushing myself to be at the top of my game. The history of golf and those achievements mean a lot. Tying Monty would be incredible, and I’m excited to put in the work next season.
**Editor:** Lastly, on a lighter note, how did it feel to have your family celebrating with you after this big win?
**Rory McIlroy:** I was so emotional. Seeing them in the crowd brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me of what truly matters. At the end of the day, the trophies are great, but having my family there makes every victory sweeter. I’m grateful to have them by my side, especially after such a challenging year.
**Editor:** Thank you, Rory. Wishing you continued success and happiness in the coming year!
**Rory McIlroy:** Thank you! I appreciate it.