The DP World Tour Championship has been the grand finale of the golf season since 2009, marking a significant change when it took over from the Order of Merit. Every year, this prestigious event takes place at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates on the Earth Course. Initially called the Dubai World Championship, Lee Westwood emerged victorious in its first year, pocketing $1.66 million from a hefty $7.5 million prize pool after defeating Ross McGowan.
In 2010, Robert Karlsson became the first Swedish player to win by beating Ian Poulter in a playoff. The following year saw Alvaro Quiroz triumph over Paul Lawrie by two shots. Other notable winners include Danny Willett in 2018 and Collin Morikawa in 2021. Most recently, Nicolai Hojgaard claimed victory in 2023.
Over time, four players have managed to win this championship more than once. Rory McIlroy’s first win came in 2012 when he beat Justin Rose by two shots and also secured his maiden Race to Dubai title that year. Three years later, he added another title to his name after narrowly defeating Andy Sullivan by one shot and winning his third Race to Dubai title.
Champions Through the Years:
Between McIlroy’s wins, Henrik Stenson achieved back-to-back victories in 2013 and 2014. On his second win, McIlroy was close but fell short by two shots. Matt Fitzpatrick joined the list of champions with his first victory in 2016 against Tyrrell Hatton and again won four years later by edging out Lee Westwood by one shot.
Fans might wonder if these thrilling matches will continue creating such memorable moments for years to come.
Jon Rahm made headlines when he won shortly after turning professional in 2017, beating Kiradech Aphibarnrat by one shot. He repeated this success two years later against Tommy Fleetwood and clinched his first Race to Dubai title too! In an impressive feat three years later, Rahm completed a hat-trick of wins by overcoming Tyrrell Hatton and Alex Noren with a two-shot lead.
It didn’t last long though; just two years later Rory McIlroy matched Rahm’s record with three wins after taking home the trophy once again in 2024!
What do you think about these incredible achievements?
