Grand Slam winner and five-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy returns to the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates this week to defend his DP World Tour Championship title.
Rory McIlroy – DP World Tour Championship 2024 – Getty Images
The Northern Irishman claimed his third DP World Tour Championship victory in 2024, securing a record-equalling sixth Race to Dubai crown alongside Seve Ballesteros. At 36, McIlroy sits joint second for most Race to Dubai wins, two behind Colin Montgomerie, as he aims to add another European Number One title.
The Earth Course has been a successful venue for McIlroy, who previously won the DP World Tour Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2024, and topped the season-long standings six times. Including four other Dubai victories, he currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings.
Rory McIlroy celebrates winning the DP World Tour’s Harry Vardon Trophy for the fourth time in his career in 2022. David Cannon
“Dubai has always been a special place for me,” said McIlroy. “Winning both the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai last year was an incredible way to finish the season.
“To equal Seve’s record made it even more special. I’ve played some great golf this year and I’m looking forward to finishing strong again in front of the fans at Jumeirah Golf Estates.”
Rory McIlroy’s stats at the Earth course
9 top 5s
11 top 10s
-23 lowest tournament total (2012)
-8 lowest tournament round (R1 2019)
€7,714,169.03 career earnings on the Earth course
McIlroy heads to Dubai fresh off his tie for third place at Yas Links in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Main image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
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This article was featured in the November 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine
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