The DP World Tour has announced the launch of a new award named after Europe’s Ryder Cup hero, Rory McIlroy. The DP World Tour will present the award from the 2026 season onward to honour McIlroy as Europe’s first-ever Career Grand Slam winner. This milestone has sparked comparisons between the Northern Irishman and one of modern golf’s most iconic figures, Tiger Woods.
McIlroy Honoured To Have Award Named After Him
McIlroy became the sixth male golfer in the modern era to win the Career Grand Slam after he defeated Justin Rose in a thrilling playoff at The Masters in April, joining the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods in the exclusive Grand Slam club. The 36-year-old also set an individual record, becoming the first European player ever to complete the Career Grand Slam.
This historic milestone earned him yet another honour, as the DP World Tour announced a new award named after him. The DP World Tour will present the Rory McIlroy Award from the 2026 season onward to the member who performs best across all four Major Championships in a season.
“To have something named after you, that will be presented to future generations of players, is a huge honour and it is very humbling. It certainly means a lot to me because the DP World Tour was where I started my career. I’ve always loved playing on it and, of course, representing Europe and the Tour in the Ryder Cup,” McIlroy said ahead of the DP World Tour Championship.
McIlroy vs Tiger Woods: Comparing Their Legacies
The announcement of The Rory McIlroy Award is more than just another accolade on his long list. Many see it as the moment the DP World Tour formally recognized McIlroy’s greatness, sparking debate about whether he now stands alongside Tiger Woods in terms of legacy.
Every sport has its icons, but only a few reach a level where institutions reshape traditions around them. Tiger Woods did. His influence changed how the sport looked, how athletes prepared, and how the world watched. McIlroy now finds himself in a similar position, even if his impact has taken a different path.
Woods dominated golf and won the Career Grand Slam twice, a feat McIlroy has yet to match. However, McIlroy is Europe’s most accomplished modern player, and his Grand Slam remains unprecedented for a European golfer. He is also widely regarded as the face of European golf, having recently helped Team Europe secure their first away Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black since the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012.
With this award and his Career Grand Slam, McIlroy cements his place as one of Europe’s greatest golfers, perhaps even rivaling Tiger Woods in legacy.
Main Photo Credit: © Paul Childs-Reuters via Imagn Images
