The most tumultuous year in Rory McIlroy’s career came to a close with happy tears.
He won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and took home a sixth Order of Merit title, matching the late, great Seve Ballesteros. So when asked about this accomplishment after his round, McIlroy could barely compose himself, knowing that his name will forever be linked with one of the best and most spirited European players ever.
“I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup players,” McIlroy said, fighting back tears.
“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. He means so much to European golf, and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I’m very proud.”
McIlroy then expanded upon why he became so emotional in his press conference.
“I think just the combination of the Seve thing plus finally getting over the line in what’s felt like a long time, I think the emotion of it all just sort of hit me. Yeah, that’s why I had to compose myself,” McIlroy said.
“This is a big day for me. To end 2024 like this means a lot—it really does. I can enjoy the little bit of off time that you have now, and I am really looking forward to 2025.”
The Northern Irishman won four times in 2024, but his last victory came in May at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte. Since then, all McIlroy has experienced is heartbreak, none more significant than what happened at Pinehurst No. 2, where he missed two short putts over the final three holes to lose the U.S. Open to Bryson DeChambeau by a stroke. Other close calls at The Olympics, Royal County Down, and Wentworth followed suit, as McIlroy could not get over the hump.
“I know that my 2024 is going to be defined, at least by others, by the tournaments that I didn’t win as much as the tournaments that I did,” McIlroy added.
“So, I think I would have been miserable for a few weeks if I had not won today. It would have just added to the list of ones I felt I let get away, and for one to not get away and get over the line and be the final event of the year, it feels nice.”
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.