Tearful Rory McIlroy Reacts To Seve Ballesteros Comparisons After Equalling Spaniard's Order Of Merit Record
In a highly-emotional interview immediately after holing the winning putt at the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy was asked about equalling Severiano Ballesteros' European Tour Order of Merit record


Tears don't often flow from the eyes of Rory McIlroy immediately after securing victory, but the World No.3 was struggling to keep his emotions in check upon being crowned the DP World Tour Championship winner for a third time on Sunday.
While success at a fourth Rolex Series event was certainly special in itself, it was more likely the wider context of his latest achievement which caused McIlroy to choke up.
The 35-year-old defeated Rasmus Hojgaard and co. both this week in Dubai and across the entire season to move alongside the iconic Severiano Ballesteros on six Race To Dubai crowns - also known as the European Tour Order of Merit.
Only one man now stands in front of the pair, with Colin Montgomerie the all-time record holder on eight.
All three leading players have been fierce defenders of both the European Tour and Ryder Cup throughout their career, with Ballesteros - in particular - a source of great motivation for McIlroy when he is representing Team Europe.
Rory McIlroy in front of the 2024 Race To Dubai and DP World Tour Championship trophies
So when the Northern Irishman was asked what it meant for him to equal one of the most respected names the sport has ever produced, McIlroy showed several moments of raw emotion as he humbly admitted his pride.
Speaking to Sky Sports' Tim Barter immediately after holing the winning putt at the DP World Tour Championship, a watery-eyed McIlroy said: "Yeah, it's really cool.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup players. European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes of Seve.
'We had a changing room with Seve's shirt from '95, the last Ryder Cup he played (tearing up).
"He means so much to European golf, and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."
At 35, McIlroy's career is likely past its halfway point but nowhere near the end, and the four-time Major winner has reiterated his desire to stand alone as the greatest European player in the men's game.
"For me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud." 🥹McIlroy on matching Seve Ballesteros' six Race to Dubai titles 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eaSXpUifCvNovember 17, 2024
Having previously mentioned that he is set to reduce his schedule by three or four events moving forward - all of which will be over in America - McIlroy insisted he is ready to do everything in his power to ensure he has as many opportunities as it takes to reach nine Order of Merit titles.
Referencing the challenge he faces to surpass Montgomerie's eight victories, McIlroy stated: "I'm up for it. I've just won my third in a row, and I've really made it a priority of my schedule over the last few years to give myself the best chance coming into the end of the year to win The Race to Dubai.
"I don't see that being any different for the foreseeable future. You know, going to go for my seventh next year and try to chase Monty down."
Following an emotional couple of weeks, McIlroy is set for an extended break from golf and will make his next competitive start on the DP World Tour at the Dubai Desert Classic early next year.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
How To Watch The Players Championship: Live Streams, TV Channels, Schedule
This year will be the sixth running of the event, with 23 nationalities competing and with the final round played around Augusta National's iconic course.
By Roderick Easdale Published
-
Sun Day Red Launches Azalea Gold Collection, And It Might Be The Best 'Augusta-Themed' Range We Have Seen
Tiger Woods' brand has just released the new collection and we are big fans already...
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Rory McIlroy's Masters Odds Slashed Despite Northern Irishman Complaining Of Minor Elbow Issue
The Northern Irishman is being heavily backed by golf fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland ahead of his latest attempt at completing the career Grand Slam
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reveals Issue With Right Elbow Ahead Of Latest Masters Challenge
The four-time Major winner revealed to the Golf Channel he has discomfort in his right elbow, less than two weeks before his latest attempt to win the Green Jacket
By Mike Hall Published
-
How Eugenio Chacarra Can Qualify For A PGA Tour Card Following Indian Open Success
Eugenio Chacarra secured his DP World Tour card with victory at the Hero Indian Open, but what does it mean for his chances of making it to the PGA Tour?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Ex-Prisoner And Australian Bike Gang Member Locks Up DP World Tour Card
Once imprisoned for assault, Ryan Peake went on to win the New Zealand Open earlier this year and has now wrapped up a DP World Tour card for 2026
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Former LIV Golfer Eugenio Chacarra Earns Full DP World Tour Status Via Hero Indian Open Victory
The Spaniard carded a final-round 71 to triumph by two strokes and wrap up his card just months after being dropped by the LIV Golf League
By Jonny Leighfield Last updated
-
‘You Don’t Want 10-Year-Old Kids Punting Their Putters Across The Green Every Time They Miss A Putt’ - Rory McIlroy Says Tour Pros Have ‘Responsibility’ To Set Good Example After Recent Viral Clips Showcasing Players’ Frustrations
Speaking at the Texas Children's Houston Open, McIlroy explained how displaying emotion on the course shows the pros 'are human', but there's also a 'responsibility to set an example'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'The Loss Of A Few Trees Is Definitely Noticeable' - Rory McIlroy On What He Learned From Augusta National Practice Round Ahead Of 2025 Masters
The four-time Major winner made a trip to Augusta National earlier this week in preparation for The Masters
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘Give The Lad A Break. He’s A Very Good Caddie. Harry, Don’t Read The S****’ - Billy Foster On Critics Of Rory McIlroy’s Caddie
The experienced looper has spoken out and defended McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, with Foster claiming the 'criticism is not fair at all'
By Matt Cradock Published