Rory McIlroy got emotional after wrapping up a record-tying eighth career Race to Dubai championship.
After equaling Colin Montgomerie's eight European Tour Order of Merit titles by virtue of his second-place finish in the season-ending DP World Championship, McIlroy revealed that his father is in the process of recovering from major surgery.
"He's been in the hospital for the last two months. He underwent a huge operation at the end of September, and he's recovering well, thankfully," McIlroy said.
At that point, he paused and covered his eyes with his hands, while taking a moment to compose himself.
"This one's for him."
An emotional Rory McIlroy speaks about his father after winning an eighth Race to Dubai title. #DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/JIMjEgy5uF
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 15, 2026
McIlroy said he went to see his father in Cleveland before leaving for Dubai to play in the DP World Championship and his dad told him, "Go win the Race to Dubai."
McIlroy, 37, shot a bogey-free 67 in the final round to finish five strokes behind winner Tyrell Hatton. His second-place finish secured his fifth consecutive season-long title on the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rory McIlroy fights back tears after revealing family health issue
