DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy capped a tumultuous year by winning the World Tour Championship and his sixth title as European No. 1. He birdied two of the last three holes on Sunday for a 3-under 69 to win by two over Rasmus Hojgaard.
McIlroy hit a tee shot to within a foot of the 16th hole to break a tie with Hojgaard, then closed with a 6-foot birdie putt for his third title of the European Tour season.
He won the Race to Dubai — formerly known as the Order of Merit — for the sixth time in his career, leaving him two behind the record held by Colin Montgomerie, who tied him with the late Seve Ballesteros.
Hojgaard, who struggled to impress McIlroy at the Irish Open in September, didn’t make a birdie over the final 11 holes and needed a 71.
McIlroy was emotional when he teed off on the 18th green, his final event of a memorable year for many reasons. He won four times — twice on the PGA Tour — but went a 10th straight year without a major win when he gave up a late lead at the US Open.
He announced that he was getting a divorce before the PGA Championship, then canceled those plans and said that he and his wife would try to reconcile.
“I’ve been through a lot this year, professionally and personally,” said McIlroy. “It looks like the end is right for 2024. I’ve been very patient this year.”
Source link
