Dubai: Rory McIlroy was overcome with emotion after securing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, with the Northern Irishman paying a heartfelt tribute to his father Gerry, who remains in hospital following major surgery.
McIlroy claimed the historic achievement at the 2026 DP World Tour Championship, finishing runner-up to Tyrrell Hatton after carding a final-round 67 at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
However, the celebrations were accompanied by an emotional moment as the 37-year-old reflected on his father's health and the difficult months his family have endured.
Gerry McIlroy has been in hospital since undergoing a major operation at the end of September, although he is understood to be making a recovery.
Asked how much his father had been on his mind during Sunday's final round in Dubai, McIlroy struggled to hold back the tears as he opened up about his condition.
“A lot. He’s been in the hospital for the last months. Underwent a huge operation at the end of September.
“He’s recovering well thankfully. When I left to come here to the Middle East, I went up to Cleveland to see him before I went.
“He said to me, ‘Go win the Race to Dubai’.”
It was a particularly big moment at the end of another remarkable season for McIlroy, who has now won five consecutive Race to Dubai…
