Rory McIlroy won the Race to Dubai crown for the fifth time after results at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa went his way, making him the only golfer to seal up the crown before the final tournament and putting him in pursuit of Colin Montgomerie’s record haul of eight European Tour Order of Merit titles.
At Glance
‣ Rory McIlroy won the Race to Dubai crown for the fifth time
‣ McIlroy is the only golfer in the Race to Dubai era to seal up the crown before the final tournament
‣ His next aim is to hunt down Colin Montgomerie’s record haul of eight European Tour Order of Merit titles
‣ McIlroy will arrive in Dubai with plenty to play for, as he has not won the DP World Tour Championship in eight years
Rory McIlroy has had an impressive year, and he recently picked up the Race to Dubai crown. The World No. 2 secured the title for the fifth time, despite only competing in nine tournaments, including all four majors. His latest victory was confirmed when Adrian Meronk failed to achieve the third place he needed at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, bringing McIlroy’s successful defense of the Harry Vardon Trophy to a memorable close.
McIlroy’s win earns him a spot in the history books as the only golfer in the Race to Dubai era to secure the crown before the final tournament. He has his sights set on surpassing Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight European Tour Order of Merit titles, saying, “Hopefully, I can keep on the journey and try and get close to him.”
Despite his recent success, McIlroy is looking to add another victory to his name, as he has not won the DP World Tour Championship for eight years. This event, with prize money of $3 million for the winner, will be his last of 2023 before taking a two-month break.
While McIlroy’s achievements are impressive, the competition was not without its close calls. Adrian Meronk was the only player who had a chance to challenge McIlroy for the title, but ultimately could not secure the necessary placement at the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Ongoing competition keeps the game exciting for both players and fans, and McIlroy’s experience this year has certainly been no exception.
