Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during a press conference at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai on Wednesday. — Supplied photo
World number three Rory McIlroy is reflecting on a year filled with positive performances, despite narrowly missing out on the US Open title, as he aims to secure his sixth Race to Dubai championship. The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland has claimed three victories across the PGA and European Tours in 2024, including the Dubai Desert Classic, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside Shane Lowry, and the Wells Fargo Championship. McIlroy came close to winning the US Open in June but fell short in his quest for a fifth major, losing to Bryson DeChambeau by a single stroke.
"Consistently strong, that's what I've been proud of in recent years, but the ones that slipped away are on my mind," McIlroy stated on Wednesday. "I could be here with a fifth major title, but I'm not. That's a tough pill to swallow, but I have to accept it. Yet, I have more chances ahead." He continued, "This year, I focused on the positives of consistently performing at the highest level. With three wins and a chance for a fourth this week, I'm aiming to secure another Race to Dubai title."
McIlroy, leading South African Thriston Lawrence by 1,785.02 points, can clinch the Race to Dubai title by finishing in the top 10 at the DP World Tour Championship. The late Seve Ballesteros won the European Tour's season-long Race to Dubai, formerly known as the Order of Merit, six times between 1976-91. Only Colin Montgomerie of Scotland has more, with eight titles.
"I didn't get to see much of Seve's career as I'm too young," McIlroy said of the Spaniard. "Seve is almost mythical to me, a bit before my time. But he was my dad's favorite player..." He added, "Seve's impact on European golf is akin to Arnold Palmer's in America. Matching his achievements and having a career that compares to his is really special."
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