Rory McIlroy concluded the season at the top of the DP World Rankings for the fourth occasion in his career despite Jon Rahm claiming his third DP World Tour Championship title in Dubai.
The Spaniard secured a two-shot victory ahead of England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Alex Noren of Sweden, hitting a five-under 67 on Sunday to finish 20 under at Jumeriah Golf Estates.
McIlroy finished the final day a stroke behind in fourth after a four-under 68 but that was enough for the Northern Irishman to cement his place at the top spot of the DP World Rankings for the first time since 2015 and be rewarded with the Harry Vardon Trophy.
McIlroy’s only challenger for the top sport was Matt Fitzpatrick, but the U.S. Open champion needed to win and for McIlroy to finish third and below; or to finish second and McIlroy to finish eight or below.
“It means a lot,” McIlroy said to Sky Sports. “It’s been seven years since I’ve last done it. I’ve won three FedEx Cups since I last won.
McIlroy also congratulated Rahm on his victory, who became the first player to win the tournament three times at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
“It would have been nice to get one win in there at the end of the year but Jon played an incredible tournament and fully deserved it,” McIlroy said.
“I would like to say I am right up there in the best players in the world – but he is right up there with me.”
Top Five on the 2022 DP World Tour:
- Rory McIlroy (4754.1 DPWTR Points)
- Ryan Fox (4173.6 DPWTR Points)
- Jon Rahm (3703 DPWTR Points)
- Matt Fitzpatrick (3620 DPWTR Points)
- Tommy Fleetwood (3301.4 DPWTR Points)
The 2023 DP World Tour season gets underway on November 24th at the Joburg Open and the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.