Rory McIlroy wrapped up a fifth Race to Dubai title without hitting a ball thanks to an unassailable lead going into the final event this week.
McIlroy will tee off at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Thursday more than 2,000 points clear of his closest challenger, European Ryder Cup team-mate Jon Rahm, with just 2,000 more points on offer.
It means that following Sunday’s Nedbank Gold Challenge in Sun City, McIlroy, who did not play, pocketed a £1.6million bonus for winning the Race to Dubai. American Max Homa picked up the win in South Africa.
McIlroy has already set his sights on eclipsing the record eight end-of-season European crowns sealed by Colin Montgomerie.
The Northern Irishman said: “Winning the Race to Dubai title for the fifth time is an incredible honour and another important milestone in my career.
“Capturing the Ryder Cup in Rome was a highlight this year, and adding to this title makes it all the more special. I still have a distance to cover to reach Colin’s tally in the order of merit, and this inspires me to give my best in the upcoming years.”
McIlroy has not won the DP World Tour Championship, which boasts a top prize of £2.4m, for eight years.
