Rory McIlroy found it just as challenging to fight off the tears as he did fending off Denmark's Rasmus Hoejgaard after winning the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday. The Northern Irishman finished two shots clear on -15 at the Jumeirah Golf Estate, having already clinched the overall Race to Dubai title.

McIlroy only required a top-11 finish in the competition's final event to finish top of the standings, but South Africa's Thriston Lawrence couldn't maintain his challenge.

Lawrence left the course for the final time with a score of -1, handing McIlroy his third consecutive Race to Dubai crown with five holes of his final round to play.

But the 35-year-old went the extra mile to clinch a record-equalling third DP World Tour Championship - as well as a fourth Rolex Series win and his seventh triumph in Dubai.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his latest success, McIlroy struggle to hold himself together as he reflected on a joyous finale to his demanding year.

"It means a lot. I've been through a lot this year. Professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024," McIlroy explained.

"I've persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn't able to get it done, so to be able to get over the line today... 

"I got off to a great start and then didn't have my best round; saving par on 15 was huge, and then I had four great swings coming in.

"Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day."

In clinching his sixth Race to Dubai title, McIlroy matched the tally of his all-time favourite golfer, Seve Ballesteros.

He expressed equalling Ballesteros' achievement was a "dream come true" and admitted he was eyeing Colin Montgomerie's record of eight titles.

McIlroy added: "It's really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players.

"In the European locker room, all we have are quotes from Seve. We have a changing room with a Seve 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. I'm up for [chasing Colin Montgomerie down].

"I've just won my third in a row, and I've really made it a priority with my schedule over the last few years to give myself a chance with the Race to Dubai, and I don't see that being any different for the foreseeable future.

"I'm going to go for my seventh next year and try and chase Monty down."