Rory McIlroy got emotional as he reflected on finishing up a year where he reversed course on a divorce and got over the hump to win a tournament after facing a lot of adversity on the course.
McIlroy won the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai for the third straight year Sunday, and was asked about the accomplishment.
“It means a lot,” McIlroy said, choking up.
“I’ve been through a lot this year — personally, professionally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. Look, 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 — I got off to a great start, and then I didn’t have the best around the middle of the round.”
McIlroy filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll in May but in June announced that the couple had reconciled.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together,” McIlroy told the Guardian.
“Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
On the professional front, McIlroy had a number of tournaments where he narrowly missed winning this year, including the US Open, the Irish Open, the BMW PGA Championship and the Dubai Invitational.
He had a look of relief on his face after getting over the hump in the race to Dubai, and celebrating with his wife and their daughter Poppy.
“Their support means the world to me,” McIlroy told reporters.
“To be able to show Poppy what happened today and maybe some of the reasons why I’m not around all of the time because I’m working or practicing … it’s incredible that they were here with me this week and I’m excited to go celebrate with them.
“It’s been quite the year, but I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life, and I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to.”