Rory McIlroy has ended his season on a high note in the Middle East, securing both the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai title at the Earth Course on Sunday. McIlroy has claimed the season-long race for the third consecutive year, matching the record of European legend, Seve Ballesteros.

This time, he did it with flair, winning the season finale at the DP World Tour Championship by two shots over Rasmus Hojgaard. Along with his two trophies comes a hefty financial bonus, with the 35-year-old pocketing $3 million for winning the final event of the year, as well as an additional $2million for his Race to Dubai crown.

It concludes a rollercoaster year for McIlroy, who despite winning four times across the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, has experienced his fair share of disappointment. Particularly at the U.S. Open in June, where he relinquished a two-shot lead with four holes remaining to Bryson DeChambeau, ensuring his wait for a fifth major title will extend into its 11th year.

More Sunday heartache followed at his home event, the Irish Open at Royal County Down, as well as at the BMW PGA Championship, where he lost in a playoff to Billy Horschel. However, McIlroy finds himself back in the winners’ circle once more, with his DP World Tour Championship win being his third at the event.

The Northern Irish golfer, Rory McIlroy, entered the final round of the tournament tied at the top with a score of 12-under-par, alongside Hojgaard and Antoine Rozner. However, he managed to distinguish himself from his competitors with an impressive performance on a course he’s very familiar with.

Despite starting off with a bogey at the first hole, McIlroy quickly recovered by scoring four consecutive birdies between the second and fifth holes. Although it seemed like he was on track to easily win the event, McIlroy’s performance faltered slightly as he played his next 10 holes two-over par, allowing Hojgaard to fight his way back into the competition.

Rory McIlroy impressed on Sunday

Rory McIlroy impressed on Sunday ( 

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Standing on the 16th fairway, both leaders had wedge shots into the green, but it was McIlroy who capitalized. Playing first, the four-time major winner made an incredible shot at the pin, leaving him with an easy birdie.

In contrast, Hojgaard could only get his effort to 10-feet, missing his birdie attempt and allowing McIlroy to pull ahead by one. Both class and experience were evident again at the par-three 17th.

A fantastic six-iron shot from McIlroy landed him in the center of the green, while a pressured Hojgaard pulled his attempt left. Interestingly, the young Dane chose to putt his second shot into the grain from off the green, which seemed to be a mistake after leaving himself another long putt for par.

Determined to stay in the game, Hojgaard demonstrated his skill by making the par attempt, which McIlroy couldn’t match, sending them to the 18th hole with just one shot between them.