Ryder Cup team-mates Fitzpatrick and McIlroy both ended up winning on Sunday in Dubai

McIlroy Clinches Seventh Race to Dubai Crown as Fitzpatrick Wins in Playoff

McIlroy Claims Historic Seventh Race to Dubai Title as Fitzpatrick Wins in Dubai

Rory McIlroy capped off a sensational 2025 season by securing a record-extending seventh Race to Dubai title, despite losing out in a thrilling playoff to Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Sunday.

Fitzpatrick carded a bogey-free 66 to finish on 18-under, then held his nerve in a sudden-death playoff after McIlroy’s tee shot found water on the first extra hole.

While Fitzpatrick celebrated his third win in Dubai, it was McIlroy’s fourth consecutive Race to Dubai triumph, placing him above Seve Ballesteros (6 titles) and just one behind Colin Montgomerie’s record of 8.

McIlroy’s Monumental 2025 Season

McIlroy’s runner-up finish was enough to lock in the Race to Dubai crown after a year that included:

Career Grand Slam with Masters win in April
Wins at Pebble Beach, The Players Championship, and Irish Open
Ryder Cup heroics as Europe won in the U.S.
Four titles, four additional top-3s

McIlroy on his legacy:

“I did not get this far in my dream… To surpass Seve, who means so much to this tour and the Ryder Cup, is incredibly emotional. Now I want Monty’s record.”

Fitzpatrick’s Clutch Win

Fitzpatrick’s 18-under total came via a perfectly controlled final round, capped by a birdie on the 18th. He stayed calm in the playoff while McIlroy faltered.