'I dedicate this to my father': McIlroy claims eighth DP World Tour season title

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland claimed his eighth career season title on the DP World Tour, tying the all-time European Tour record — and dedicated the achievement to his father, who recently underwent a double lung transplant.

McIlroy carded a bogey-free 67, five under par, on the final day of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates' Earth Course (par 72) in Dubai, UAE, on Sunday (Korean Standard Time), making five birdies without a dropped shot.

His total of 10 under par, 278, left him in sole second place, five strokes behind winner Tyrrell Hatton of England, who finished at 15 under par, 273. McIlroy did not win the tournament, but he topped the Race to Dubai season points competition to claim the season title for the fifth consecutive year.

The eighth season title draws McIlroy level with Colin Montgomerie of Scotland, who holds the all-time European Tour record. McIlroy won the season title in 2012, 2014 and 2015, then again in each of the five consecutive years through this season.

The race for the season title went down to the wire. Eugenio Chacarra of Spain, who led the points standings entering the week, and McIlroy traded the advantage back and forth throughout the final round. Late in the round, Chacarra briefly held a projected points total of 4,753.46 — just 0.1 ahead of McIlroy's 4,753.36.

McIlroy then made a birdie on the 16th hole to retake the lead, while Chacarra finished in a tie for third at 8 under par, 280. McIlroy ultimately edged Chacarra by about 125 points in the final season standings.

After the season title was confirmed, McIlroy broke down in tears as he spoke about his father, Gerry, who underwent a double lung transplant in late September and is currently recovering.

"My dad has been in hospital for the last two months. He had a big operation but thankfully he is recovering well," McIlroy said. "Before I left for the Middle East, I went to see him and he told me to go and win the Race to Dubai. I dedicate this win to him."

McIlroy went on to describe his father as the person who introduced him to golf and his greatest supporter, who encouraged him never to give up on his dreams. McIlroy said he spent nine days with his father in intensive care after the surgery, calling it a difficult time for the entire family.

The win adds to a remarkable run for McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters Tournament last year and has now tied the all-time European Tour season title record this year.

Meanwhile, tournament winner Hatton closed with a 66, six under par, to win by five strokes — his ninth DP World Tour title overall and his first at this event.