Rory McIlroy shares touching moment with wife and daughter after emotional win at DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy fought back the tears as he brought the curtain down on a challenging year with victory at the DP World Tour Championship to secure the Race to Dubai title.

The Northern Irish golfer has endured a tough 12 months with a number of near-misses on the course none more so than at the US Open back in June as his search for a fifth major enters an 11th year as he surrendered a two shot lead with four holes to play to Bryson DeChambeau.

McIlroy suffered further final round heartache at the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship. Away from the golf course, McIlroy has also found things tough too. In May it was revealed that the six-time Race to Dubai champion filed for divorce from his wife Erica, with the announcement of the break down of their marriage coming the week of the PGA Championship.

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Just one month later however, McIlroy revealed the proposed divorce was now off, with the pair working on rebuilding their marriage with their daughter. So it was unsurprising that there was an outpouring of emotion for McIlroy following his two-shot win over Rasmus Hojgaard at Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course.

"It means a lot," said McIlroy in an interview with Sky Sports after his round. "I've been through a lot this year, professionally and personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024. I've persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn't able to get it done, so to be able to get over the line."

On his way off the 18th green McIlroy headed straight for his wife and daughter. He gave his young daughter a big hug in celebration, before embracing with Stoll as the pair shared a kiss.

After being presented with his trophies McIlroy paid thanks to his family once again. he said: "I had my family here this week, Erica and Poppy. I love you, thanks for sticking by me and for your support. I can't wait to go to Ireland and celebrate this properly."

McIlroy's Race to Dubai win takes him level with the legendary Seve Ballesteros in winning the order of merit six times. The Holywood man said it was a very proud moment for him.

"It's really cool. I think everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players," he said. "In the European Ryder Cup locker room all we have are quotes from Seve, we also had his shirt from '95, the last Ryder cup he played. He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath I'm very proud."

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