STWF|Nov. 10,2025 – Rory McIlroy stands on the brink of history once again. As the 2025 golf season draws to a close, the Northern Irishman is primed to capture a record-extending seventh Race to Dubai title, and a win at this week’s DP World Tour Championship would cap off one of the finest campaigns of his illustrious career.

The 36-year-old enters the European Tour’s season finale as the overwhelming favorite, leading Marco Penge by 767 points in the Race to Dubai standings. Should McIlroy hold onto that lead, he would move past the legendary Seve Ballesteros into sole possession of second place for most Harry Vardon Trophies, trailing only Colin Montgomerie’s eight.

It would be a fitting end to what has been a vintage year for McIlroy, whose resurgence in 2025 has seen him win four titles, including the one prize that had long eluded him — the Masters Tournament at Augusta National.

A Season to Remember

McIlroy’s campaign began with a statement of intent. In February, he claimed the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, setting the tone for a year marked by precision, patience, and poise. A month later, he followed up with a brilliant victory at The Players Championship, reminding fans that when his putter cooperates, he remains nearly unbeatable.

Then came the moment that defined his season — and perhaps his career. In April, McIlroy donned the Green Jacket, completing the coveted career Grand Slam with a triumphant Masters win that cemented his legacy among golf’s immortals.

The victory quieted years of speculation about whether McIlroy would ever win at Augusta, as he joined an elite list of just six golfers in history — including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player — to have won all four modern majors.

After a brief drought, he returned to winning ways in September with a stirring victory at the Amgen Irish Open, thrilling home fans and adding another chapter to his ever-growing legend.

Closing in on History

Now, McIlroy has his eyes fixed firmly on Dubai — a city that has become synonymous with his success. The Jumeirah Golf Estates has been kind to him over the years; he’s lifted the DP World Tour Championship trophy three times, tied for the most in tournament history.

Should he win again this week, it would be his fifth title of 2025, matching his career-best tally from 2012 — when he first captured both the PGA Tour and European Tour money titles in the same year.

“It’s been a great season already,” McIlroy said following his tied-third finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he closed with a bogey-free 62 — the lowest round of his DP World Tour career. “Obviously ended up one short, but it’s a great way to go into next week in Dubai. I just tried to keep my foot down and make as many birdies as possible, knowing that I’m trying to win this tournament and give myself the biggest cushion possible.”

Confidence and Composure

The Abu Dhabi finish, just one shot behind champion Aaron Rai, served as a timely reminder of McIlroy’s ability to peak at season’s end. His game — from tee to green — looks sharp, his putting confident, and his mindset calm.

“I really like that golf course,” McIlroy said of Jumeirah. “It suits me — probably a little better than this one [Yas Links], just in terms of what you need to do off the tee and into the greens. This was a great confidence builder this week, and hopefully I can just produce more of the same Thursday onwards.”

Chasing Greatness

Should McIlroy triumph in Dubai, it would further solidify his claim as one of Europe’s all-time greats — a bridge between eras, carrying the torch from Ballesteros and Montgomerie to the modern generation.

For a player whose career has already spanned two decades of brilliance, this season has been a reminder of why McIlroy remains golf’s most complete talent — still driven, still hungry, and still capable of rewriting the record books.

If history is kind, by Sunday evening under the Dubai lights, Rory McIlroy may well be lifting his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy, adding yet another golden chapter to a career that shows no signs of slowing down.