Rory McIlroy has endorsed a new award to honor the top DP World Tour performer in the Majors each season, excluding the Masters champion from contention.
The Northern Irish golfer recently made history as the first European to achieve the career Grand Slam by triumphing at Augusta in April. Ahead of the DP World Tour Championships, the tour introduced the Rory McIlroy Award, recognizing the player who excels in all four Major Championships annually.
Despite his accomplishments, McIlroy humorously acknowledged his ineligibility for the award, stating, “It would be cool, but I am not allowed to win it. I believe it was a collective decision to keep me out of the running.”
Acknowledging the significance of the accolade named after him, McIlroy expressed gratitude, noting past achievements like the Sir Henry Cotton Award and the Harry Vardon Trophy. He emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations through this new award recognizing excellence in Major Championships.
McIlroy, aged 36, joins an elite group of golfers to complete the career Grand Slam, following legends like Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. His involvement in supporting the DP World Tour during challenging times further solidified his legacy.
Looking ahead, McIlroy aims to defend his title at the DP World Tour Championships and secure a record-breaking fourth consecutive Race to Dubai victory, surpassing his tie with Seve Ballesteros. Reflecting on his sustained success, he highlighted the rarity of maintaining excellence over a prolonged period in the competitive landscape of European golf.
As the world No.2, McIlroy showcased promising form with a tied third finish in Abu Dhabi, setting the stage for a compelling competition at the upcoming event.