Rory McIlroy crowned Race to Dubai champion despite losing play-off at DP World Tour Championship to Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick
There was mixed emotions for Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman was pipped to the post at the DP World Tour Championship.
The Holywood native forced a play-off in the final round after a stunning eagle at the last sent him at 18-under-par alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick.
However, McIlroy’s tee-shot back at the 18th went into the water, giving his Ryder Cup colleague the advantage.
Fitzpatrick was able to make par but McIlroy failed to produce his heroics with the putter yet again as he could only manage a bogey.
Despite the disappointment at not being able to land the prize, McIlroy did claim the Race to Dubai honours for the seventh time in his career.
It now means he’s just one shy of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight in what has been a memorable season for the 36-year-old.
Speaking to Sky Sports, world number two McIlroy said: "It was nice to summon what I needed to to make the play-off but I then unfortunately hit the water.
"I am happy for Matt. He has had a great end to the season, playing great to get on the Ryder Cup team and has kept it going."
He added: "It is amazing to surpass [Seve Ballesteros'] six titles.
"I had a conversation with his wife before I went out to play today and she told me how proud he would have been.
"Seve means so much to this tour and the European Ryder Cup team. We rally so much around his spirit and his quotes.
"I didn't get this far in my dreams and I now want Colin Montgomerie's record of eight. I have got so close.
"It seems in touching distance now."