Rory McIlroy has won the DP World Tour Championship (Image: Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy’s performance at the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai has drawn comparisons to two of golf’s all-time greats, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

McIlroy clinched his third DP World Tour season finale, securing his sixth season-long title in the process. This victory marked a triumphant end to a roller-coaster year for the 35-year-old, who despite having a few near-misses in 2024, managed to secure four wins on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

His triumph at Jumeriah Golf Estates on Sunday was particularly noteworthy, as he kicked off with a strong start and maintained a professional stance throughout the game.

Despite starting the day with a bogey, McIlroy quickly bounced back by scoring four consecutive birdies in his next four holes, taking a clear lead. However, his round hit a bit of a snag as the four-time major champion played his next 10 holes in two-over, allowing Rasmus Hojgaard to catch up.

But McIlroy’s experience proved invaluable against the young Dane. He scored his fifth birdie of the day thanks to an exceptional approach into the par-four 15th that resulted in a tap-in birdie.

McIlroy poses with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy (Image: Getty Images)

While Hojgaard could only manage a par, McIlroy seemed poised to extend his dominance into the next hole.

The European golf sensation led the way with a stellar six-iron shot onto the green at the daunting par-three 17th, setting the stage for Hojgaard’s subsequent miss to the left. McIlroy’s knack for sealing the deal in tournaments has been scrutinized lately, but his composed demeanor in the final moments of the Dubai event on Sunday drew parallels to some of the greatest in the game.

Following McIlroy’s remarkable approach on the 17th, Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray remarked: “The finish of McIlroy looking like a Tiger Woods finish. A Jack Nicklaus finish.”

This is high praise indeed for the 35-year-old, who has admittedly had his share of difficulties in finishing strong this season.

Both players carded pars, but McIlroy approached the 18th hole with a one-stroke lead and ultimately clinched a two-shot victory, capping it off with a birdie that outshone Hojgaard’s par on the final hole. Alongside the nods to Woods and Nicklaus, McIlroy’s performance has also been likened to that of European legend Seve Ballesteros.

By securing his sixth Race to Dubai title, McIlroy matched Ballesteros’ record, an achievement that holds significant meaning for him. Overcome with emotion, he expressed how special it was to equal Ballesteros, saying, “Yeah, it’s really cool. I think everyone know what is 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.”