Rory McIlroy breaks down in tears after winning eighth Race to Dubai title

OPA WIRE, Nov 15 (OPA) — World No. 2 Rory McIlroy equaled Colin Montgomerie's record of eight Race to Dubai titles on Sunday after finishing second at the DP World Tour Championship behind Tyrrell Hatton. Speaking in a post-tournament interview, a tearful McIlroy disclosed that his father, Gerry McIlroy, underwent a double-lung transplant in September following an 18-month battle with health issues. The golfer spent nine days in intensive care in Cleveland, where his father has remained hospitalized for two months.

McIlroy explained that the surgery was a last resort after a stressful period for his family. He admitted that the uncertainty of his father's condition nearly forced him to skip tournaments, including a recent trip to India. "My dad is a massive part of my life, and has been my biggest supporter," McIlroy said. "He said to me, 'Rors, go and win me The Race to Dubai.' That was in my head for the last two weeks, and I really wanted to do it for him."

Gerry McIlroy worked multiple jobs alongside his wife Rosie in Holywood, Northern Ireland, to finance their son's amateur career. The pair still share a close bond and a regular rivalry on the golf course, with McIlroy celebrating his father's 65th birthday in 2024 by playing the Old Course at St Andrews. McIlroy secured the points race victory after finishing five strokes behind Tyrrell Hatton, who claimed his ninth DP World Tour crown with a 15-under-par total.

Matching Montgomerie's historical record marks a significant milestone for McIlroy, who spends the majority of his competitive season on the PGA Tour. Reflecting on the achievement, McIlroy noted that winning eight order of merits was never part of his childhood goals. "To pull up alongside him and to win eight of these things, yeah, it means the world to me. I'm a very proud European player," he said. Meanwhile, Hatton's victory on the Earth Course capped a turbulent season that included a third-place finish at the Masters in April 2026.