Rory McIlroy continues to make history on the DP World Tour.
He won his sixth Distinguished Service Order title on Sunday, matching that of the late great Seve Ballesteros. But the Northern Irishman is hoping to become the greatest European player of all time. And to do that, he believes he must surpass Colin Montgomery, who won eight Distinguished Service Medals during his illustrious career.
“I've come this far. I might as well try to get to eighth or ninth,” McIlroy said after winning Sunday's DP World Tour Championship.
“At 6 o'clock, [winning] For the third time in a row, we're prioritizing Race to Dubai and DP World Tour, trying to surpass Monty and accomplishing what no one else in the game has ever done. But I think there's plenty of time left for another 10 years. Again, the other thing is, who knows what the golf world will be like in a few years? But as long as the 'Race to Dubai' is going on, there are medals of merit and we are on this tour, I'm going to want it.”
No one knows what the future holds for professional golf, but no matter what happens, McIlroy will continue to play in five to nine DP World Tour events a year. The 35-year-old played in nine non-major DP World Tour tournaments last season, starting and ending in the United Arab Emirates. He competed in a total of 27 events, an impressive number for an athlete of his caliber, and won four times, two of which were in Dubai. As a result, McIlroy has decided to drastically reduce his 2025 PGA Tour schedule. However, he remains as motivated as ever on the DP World Tour.
“It's motivation, but I think you have to find that motivation from within,” McIlroy added.
“I've never been one to look for motivation externally. Sometimes, but most of the time, I think you have to find the motivation within yourself to move forward and achieve what you want.”
McIlroy's quest for a fourth consecutive Race to Dubai victory begins in January, when he will try again at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. But until then, Montgomery will take some much-needed time off, rest and recuperate while maintaining his record as an eight-time Distinguished Service Medal recipient.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
