After a wild year, Rory McIlroy’s sixth Race to Dubai title celebration turned into quite the family affair.
The pro golfer, 35, was joined by his wife, Erica Stoll, and their 4-year-old daughter, Poppy, on the 18th green at Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course on Sunday, November 17.
McIlroy and his family were all smiles as he emerged victorious at the DP World Tour Championship, which secured his third consecutive Race to Dubai title and sixth overall.
The sixth title tied McIlroy with the late Seve Ballesteros for the most Race to Dubai titles in history, which McIlroy acknowledged on social media.
Golf Pro Rory McIlroy and Wife Erica Stoll's Relationship Timeline
“Joining Seve with six Race to Dubai titles is an incredible achievement,” McIlroy posted via Instagram alongside a picture of himself, his wife and daughter. “His impact on European golf and the Ryder Cup is immeasurable and I am always honoured to be mentioned alongside him.”
Shortly after the win, McIlroy candidly expressed what the victory meant to him.
“It means a lot because I have been through a lot this year, professionally and personally,” McIlroy told Sky Sports.
McIlroy filed for divorce from Stoll, 37, in May, after seven years of marriage. Less than a month later, the divorce petition was withdrawn.
“It feels like the fitting end to 2024,” McIlroy continued. “There have been a lot of close calls where I haven’t been able to get it over the line, but this was a tough day when I could get the job done.”
McIlroy had a calamitous finish to the US Open in June, which saw him miss short putts on the 16th and 18th holes, paving the way for Bryson DeChambeau to win the championship by one stroke.
Rory McIlroy Breaks Silence After Golf Hiatus: Life Can ‘Get Too Much'
The US Open collapse prompted McIlroy to take a brief hiatus from the sport.
“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon,” McIlroy wrote via X on June 17. “See you in Scotland .”
Recently, McIlroy announced his intention to play less during the upcoming 2025 season.
“Well, at this point in my career … Hey, I’m 35 and have been out here for 17, 18 years, so I’m just going to go to the places that I enjoy and where I play well, McIlroy said in an interview with The Telegraph on November 7.. “Look I’ve done the hard slog, I’ve done that sort of 25 to 30 events a year. And I’m not getting any younger.”