Rory McIlroy wins Seve Ballesteros Award and named DP World Tour Player of the Year for the 2024 Race to Dubai season | Golf news
Rory McIlroy has won the Seve Ballesteros Award for the fourth time after being named DP World Tour Player of the Year for his 2024 season.
McIlroy successfully defended his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title and won the season-ending DP World Tour Championship during another consistent season, recording seven top-five finishes to go along with his two victories.
In a year when the 35-year-old won the Race to Dubai to register a sixth Harry Vardon Trophy, leaving him just two behind Colin Montgomerie’s record eight Order of Merit titles, McIlroy was named Player of the Year by his fellow DP World Tour members. .
McIlroy won 46 percent of the vote, with Amgen Irish Open champion Rasmus Højgaard second and Thriston Lawrence third, as Ballesteros’ son Javier presented him with the trophy ahead of his title defense at the Dubai Desert Classic, live on Sky Sports Golf.
“The Seve Ballesteros Award is special because it’s voted on by your peers,” McIlroy said. “They’re the ones who have been out on the course with you week after week, playing the same golf courses, competing. So it’s very meaningful to get their vote.
” I said to Javier [Ballesteros]the legacy his father left not only to European but global golf will live on forever. Our whole motivation around which we gather in the Ryder Cup team is Seve and we feel we are at an advantage because of that.”
McIlroy finished second at the Dubai Invitational, the US Open, the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship during the season, and McIlroy also posted top-five finishes at the Genesis Scottish Open, the Olympics and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
“It’s special for me, my brother and sister to have the player of the year award named after my dad, and obviously it’s special to present it to Rory,” said Javier Ballesteros. “I think he’s one of the best players of all time in global golf.
“When I handed him the trophy, I told him it was special to watch him win his sixth Race to Dubai title at home, and to speak the way he did about my dad afterwards. I had a few tears in my eyes when I saw him .”
The former world No. 1 was previously named player of the year in 2012, 2014 and 2015, with the award including former golfer of the year after the two accolades are combined in 2021 to become one honor.
“It’s special for me, my brother and sister to have the player of the year award named after my dad, and obviously it’s special to present it to Rory,” said Javier Ballesteros. “I think he’s one of the best players of all time in global golf.
“When I handed him the trophy, I told him it was special to watch him win his sixth Race to Dubai title at home, and to speak the way he did about my dad afterwards. I had a few tears in my eyes when I saw him .”
DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings added: “Rory’s outstanding consistency and success in 2024 is a fitting tribute to Seva Ballesteros’ legacy. To receive this award for the fourth time, voted for by his peers, is a reflection of the admiration and respect he has for our sport .
“His performances last season, especially his sixth Race to Dubai title and his victories around the world, were nothing short of exceptional. Having Javier Ballesteros present the award in Dubai adds extra significance, bringing the spirit of Seva to this moment.”
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