An emotional Rory McIlroy dedicated a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title to his father, Gerry, who is recovering from major surgery in the United States. McIlroy was reduced to tears when recalling the parting message from McIlroy Snr as he headed for the closing events in the DP World Tour's season.

McIlroy's final round of 67 at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai helped him to finish in second place, which was sufficient to edge out Eugenio Chacarra for the season long order of merit crown. Tyrrell Hatton won the tournament itself, with Chacarra's share of third meaning McIlroy prevailed by the narrow margin of 125 points. He later revealed Gerry had been at the forefront of his mind.

"He has been in hospital for the last two months," McIlroy said. "He underwent a huge operation at the end of September and he is recovering well thankfully.

"When I was coming to the Middle East, I went up to Cleveland to see him before I went and he said to me, 'Go and win the Race to Dubai.' This one is for him."

McIlroy's parents have been regular attendees at events throughout his golfing journey. When reflecting on his highlight of 2026, McIlroy said being able to play at Augusta National with his father in the lead up to the Masters meant more to him than claiming a second Green Jacket.

McIlroy can now add matching Colin Montgomerie's Race to Dubai haul to a glistening CV. The Northern Irishman had been unaware how close the battle with Chacarra was until two holes from home. "I did what I needed to do, I shot a good score and a lot of other things went my way," said McIlroy after his bogey free 67.

"Winning eight order of merits was never really in my list of goals when I was growing up. I remember Monty being a stalwart of the European Tour, going to watch him in the World Match Play at Wentworth over the years. I remember playing with him for the first time, at the London Club in 2008. To pull up alongside him means the world to me. I am a very proud European, a proud European player and proud to be a DP World Tour player. I am also very proud of myself right now." McIlroy first won the Race to Dubai in 2012.

Hatton's win at the Earth Course was by five, with the Englishman the latest player to show no apparent ill-effects from the demise of LIV Golf. Victory also catapulted Hatton to third in the Race to Dubai.