Major champion 'truly honoured' to win inaugural Rory McIlroy Award
Major champion Aaron Rai says winning the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award “really means a lot to me” after describing the Northern Irishman as “an inspiration to so many people, including myself”.
The new trophy, named in honour of McIlroy – Europe’s first winner of the Career Grand Slam – is presented to the DP World Tour member who cumulatively earns the most Race to Dubai points from the Masters Tournament, US PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open.
Rai won his maiden major championship crown in May with a sensational performance at the US PGA Championship at Aronimink.
He finished 48th at the Masters – an event won by McIlroy for the second consecutive year – and was tied-11th at the US Open before ending his major calendar run tied-79th at The Open.
Rai accumulated 1876.5 Race to Dubai points across the four events to see off competition from Open champion Ryan Fox for the award.
The Englishman will be presented with the prize in person by McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship in September.
“I’m truly honoured to be the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award during what has been an incredible season for me and my team," said Rai on the DP World Tour’s website. “Rory is an inspiration to so many people, including myself.
"His golf game speaks volumes but the person he is and the way he conducts himself is equally as inspiring.
“For many years, my focus has been on working hard and continually developing my game. I’m very fortunate to be able to compete on the DP World Tour and continue to relish the opportunities to do so.
“To be honoured with this award which recognises Major Championship performances on the DP World Tour and for it to be in honour of Rory really means a lot to me.”
McIlroy has joined Seve Ballesteros, Harry Vardon, Sir Henry Cotton and John Jacobs in having an award named in his honour on the European Tour – he is ineligible to win it himself.
“I’m delighted that Aaron’s achievements this season have been recognised as he becomes the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy Award,” said McIlroy. “His performance down the stretch on Sunday at Aronimink was truly impressive, and it would be difficult to find anyone who wasn’t pleased for him.
“He’s always been known on the DP World Tour as a hardworking and talented player, and even more so as a fantastic person, so it’s been a pleasure to see what he has done in recent years and particularly this season.”
Guy Kinnings, DP World Tour Chief Executive, said: “Many congratulations to Aaron for securing this accolade in what has already been a wonderful season for him thus far.
"His achievement at the US PGA Championship was another great moment for European golf, and we are delighted to be able to recognise that with the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award.
“There has been a lot to celebrate this year with Aaron, Ryan – and Rory’s own achievement at Augusta - ensuring that, for the first time in 15 years, three of the four Major titles in 2026 were earned by DP World Tour members.
"We look forward to the trio, alongside other global stars, gracing many of our tournaments to come between now and the end of the season.”