Rory McIlroy shows true colours with immediate reaction to £5million win

Rory McIlroy Secures Sixth Race to Dubai Title and Celebrates Tom McKibbin’s PGA Tour Breakthrough

Rory McIlroy once again etched his name in golfing history, winning the DP World Tour Championship and clinching his sixth Race to Dubai title in spectacular fashion. However, amid his personal triumph, McIlroy made time to celebrate the success of fellow Northern Irish golfer, Tom McKibbin, who achieved a major milestone by securing his first PGA Tour card.

McIlroy delivered a commanding performance at the Earth Course in Dubai, rounding off his season with style. His victory not only earned him the prestigious DP World Tour Championship trophy but also his sixth Race to Dubai crown, equaling the legendary Seve Ballesteros in Order of Merit victories. The achievement, accompanied by a £5 million bonus, solidified McIlroy’s position as one of Europe’s all-time golfing greats.

For the 35-year-old, the win marked another step in his journey to becoming the most successful European golfer in history. However, McIlroy was quick to share the spotlight with McKibbin, who had his own reason to celebrate.

McKibbin Joins the PGA Tour

McKibbin was among ten players in the field who earned full PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season, a reward for their top-10 finishes in the Race to Dubai Rankings (among those not already exempt). The achievement was a significant career milestone for the young golfer, who has often been hailed as McIlroy’s protégé.

The bond between the two Northern Irishmen was evident as McKibbin greeted McIlroy after his victory on Sunday. Despite the excitement of being crowned champion, McIlroy’s attention quickly turned to McKibbin’s accomplishment. In a touching moment, McIlroy asked McKibbin if he had secured his PGA Tour card. McKibbin, with a modest nod and smile, confirmed the news before being embraced by the champion.

Reflecting on his achievement, McKibbin expressed his excitement. “It’s very exciting,” he said. “It’s a tour I’ve watched for years, and it’s going to be great to play over there. I feel confident I can compete, especially on the tougher courses, which seem to suit my game. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

McIlroy’s Support

Remarkably, McIlroy revealed he had been keeping tabs on McKibbin’s progress even during the intense final round of the tournament. Speaking in his post-tournament press conference, McIlroy admitted, “I was looking at the leaderboard and saw Tom was in the top 10, and I thought, ‘Okay, good.’ Then when I walked off the last hole, I didn’t see his name, and I got a bit nervous.”

The champion recounted how McKibbin approached him shortly after the final putt. “He came to congratulate me, and I didn’t want to ask outright, so I just said, ‘Yay or nay?’ He said, ‘Yes,’ and I couldn’t be happier for him. Securing one of those ten cards was a massive goal for him, and now he has the chance to go play in America. I’m super happy for him.”

A Bright Future

McIlroy’s Race to Dubai triumph and McKibbin’s PGA Tour breakthrough highlight a promising future for Northern Irish golf. McIlroy’s continued dominance at the top level sets a high benchmark, while McKibbin’s rise signals the arrival of a new generation of talent.

For McIlroy, the victory in Dubai adds another chapter to his storied career, as he edges closer to becoming Europe’s greatest-ever golfer. For McKibbin, the opportunity to compete on the PGA Tour opens the door to a world of possibilities, with his mentor cheering him on every step of the way.

Both players leave Dubai with their sights set on even greater achievements, proving that success in golf is as much about camaraderie and mutual support as it is about individual glory.