He Player of the Year award, named after Severiano Ballesterosincorporates the former Golfer of the Year award after the two awards were consolidated in 2021 into a single recognition voted on by members of DP World Tour. The award is one of several historic achievements for the 35-year-old, who recently claimed his sixth Harry Vardon trophy to his fourth world victory in 2024 at DP World Tour Championship of the end of the season, adding to his achievements in Bayani Dubai Desert Classic, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship.
The Northern Irishman received the trophy from one of Seve’s sons, Xavierwho traveled to Dubai thenl Bayani Dubai Desert Classic which starts this Thursday, won by his father more than 30 years ago and by McIlroy four times in 2009, 2015, 2023 and 2024, who will be present at the tournament.
McIlroy received 46% of the votes of his DP World Tour peers, including the Amgen Irish Open champion, Rasmus Hojgaardsecond, and Thriston Lawrencethird. The four-time major champion was named Player of the Year in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
World number three McIlroy began the 2024 DP World Tour season with a record fourth victory in Bayani Dubai Desert Classicsuccessfully defend his title on a spectacular afternoon at the Emirates Golf Club. The Holywood player entered the weekend ten strokes behind the leader, before a magical card of 63 strokes in the third round of the course put him among those selected for Sunday, where he achieved a famous victory in the desert.
He finished second in the US Open in May, then recorded top-five finishes in the next three events of Rolex Series: Genesis Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. He also placed second in Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Downbefore achieving his third victory at DP World Tour Championship and his 18th DP World Tour title.
McIlroy said after receiving the award: “The Seve Ballesteros award is special because it is voted for by your teammates. They are the ones with you on the course week after week, playing on the same golf courses, competing. So receiving their vote is very important I said to Javier (Severiano’s son) that the legacy his father left not only in European golf but in world golf will live on forever in the Ryder Cup team and we think we have one for that.
whereand Javier Ballesteros answered: “It’s special for me, my brother and my sister that the Player of the Year award is named after my dad, and obviously it’s special to give it to Rory. I think he’s one of the best players of all time in world golf “When I gave him the trophy I told him it was special to see him win his sixth Race to Dubai title at home, and talk about my father as he did afterwards. “It brought a few tears to my eyes watching him.”
where Guy Kinnings, CEO of DP World Tour added: “Rory’s remarkable consistency and success in 2024 is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Seve Ballesteros. Winning this award for the fourth time, voted for by his peers, is a reflection of admiration and respect that he has in our sport. His performances Last season, particularly his sixth Race to Dubai title and worldwide victories, Javier Ballesteros’s presence in Dubai adds of special importance because it brings the spirit of Seve to the field at this moment.”
Source: La Verdad
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