Rory McIlroy makes big DP World Tour announcement to close out his season

Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will tee it up in the DP World Tour's season-ending DP World Tour Championship as he goes in search of equalling late great Seve Ballesteros' haul of six Harry Vardon trophies from 14-17 November. 

McIlroy, 35, currently leads the DP World Tour Rankings with two months of the season left. 

The World No.3 is bidding to win the DP World Tour Championship for a third time in his career.

But more importantly he is going in search of a place in history by matching Ballesteros' six Harry Vardon trophies.

The season-long race on the former European Tour circuit used to be known as the Order of Merit.

It's now better known as the Race to Dubai. 

Related: Rory McIlroy's schedule

McIlroy is currently in third place for most Race to Dubai titles, one behind Ballesteros and three behind Colin Montgomerie.

The four-time major champion currently leads the rankings by more than 1,000 points over South Africa's Thriston Lawrence, who recently came close to winning his first major at The Open and also last week's British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. 

Lawrence, who recently won the 2023 BMW International Open in Germany, will be looking to eat into McIlroy's lead this week as he's back in action at the European Masters in Switzerland.

McIlroy told the media after his T9 at the Tour Championship on the PGA Tour on Sunday that he plans to cut his playing schedule back by some seven to nine tournaments in 2025.

The Northern Irishman will have played 27 times in total when he finishes his season off in Dubai in November.

He plans to play 18 to 20 times next season, but McIlroy will assess his schedule during the off-season. 

McIlroy will also see his new TGL alongside Tiger Woods start up in early 2025. 

Related: Rory McIlroy's fans will be upset with latest claim from PGA Tour superstar

McIlroy opened his 2024 DP World Tour season with a successful title defence at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

He has remained at the top of the standings ever since a runner-up finish at the Dubai Invitational in January. 

McIlroy has also won twice on the PGA Tour this season with victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (alongside Shane Lowry) and the Wells Fargo Championship, 

The Ulsterman endured another tough season in the majors by his own high standards with a T22 at The Masters, a T12 at the US PGA, an agonising solo second behind Bryson DeChambeau when throwing away the lead on the closing holes at the US Open, and a sluggish MC at The Open. 

McIlroy has now gone 10 years since his last major victory at the 2014 US PGA. 

But despite his major heartache, McIlroy is intent to finish his year strong by winning a number of iconic DP World Tour events, two of which include the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in two weeks' time and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews alongside his father in the first week of October. 

McIlroy will then turn his attention to yet another place in the record books by matching Ballesteros' record for Harry Vardon trophies. 

The renowned Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates has been a prosperous venue for the four-time major champion, who has won the event twice and topped the season-long standings in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, and most recently in 2023.

The top 70 available players at the conclusion of the 'Back 9' events will gather at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi in early November, before the top 50 available players move on to Dubai, as the new-look season comes to a dramatic close.

McIlroy said: 

"Competing at the DP World Tour Championship is always something I look forward to at the end of the season.

“Dubai has been a special place for me, and I've been fortunate to achieve a lot of success there. To have the chance to equal Seve’s record is incredibly meaningful, he was a pioneer for European golf, and his impact on the world game can’t be overstated.

“It’s going to be a couple of big weeks in the Middle East with the DP World Tour Play-offs and I’m focused on playing some good golf to put myself in contention for more titles.”

Following record weekend crowds last year, free general admission tickets for Thursday and Friday are now available at dpwtc.com. Early bird options are selling fast with fans encouraged to save up to 30% on General Admission and Ticket+ weekend tickets before prices change on Friday September 13.

The DP World Tour Championship offers a fantastic day out for all, combining world-class golf with an array of exciting activities and experiences. The vibrant village ensures an incredible atmosphere, featuring dedicated activations for children, free golf lessons for all ages, Ladies Day celebrations, trick-shot shows, large screens for enhanced viewing, and engaging sports activations.

Fans seeking an elevated experience can choose from a range of premium hospitality options. The Championship Chalet, situated on the 18th green, offers an exclusive vantage point to observe the thrilling conclusion of each round. The Earth Lounge, overlooking the 16th green, provides a chic and comfortable setting to relax and enjoy the action.

Additionally Ticket+ includes guaranteed access to the shaded viewing platform at The Greatest Bar on Earth on the 17^th, the perfect ambiance with refreshing beverages to take in the action up close.

To secure free tickets for all the action on Thursday and Friday of the 2024 DP World Tour Championship and to explore the various ticket options, including premium experiences, please visit dpwtc.com.