Rory McIlroy has won the Seve Ballesteros Award for the fourth time after being named DP World Tour Player of the Year for his 2024 season.
McIlroy successfully defended his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title and won the DP World Tour Championship at the end of the season, during another consistent season, where he recorded seven top-five finishes in addition to his two victories.
The 35-year-old won the Race to Dubai to register a sixth Harry Vardon Trophy, leaving him just two behind Colin Montgomerie's record eight Order of Merit titles, and McIlroy was named Player of the Year by fellow DP World Tour members. .
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the final round of the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai
McIlroy won 46 percent of the vote, with Amgen Irish Open champion Rasmus Højgaard second and Thriston Lawrence third, as Ballesteros' son Javier presented him with the trophy ahead of his title defense at the Dubai Desert Classic, live Sky Sports Golf.
“The Seve Ballesteros Award is special because it's voted on by your peers,” McIlroy said. “They were on the course with you week after week, playing the same golf courses, competing. So getting their vote is very important.
Javier Ballesteros, son of Seva Ballesteros, presented Rory McIlroy with his award ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic
“I told Javier (Ballesteros), that the legacy that his father left not only in European golf, but in global golf will live on forever. Our whole motivation for coming together on the Ryder Cup team is Seve, and we feel we have an advantage because of that .”
McIlroy finished second at the Dubai Invitational, the US Open, the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship during the season, and McIlroy also posted top-five finishes at the Genesis Scottish Open, the Olympics and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rory McIlroy came close to winning the Dubai Invitational, the US Open, the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Championship, but ended up falling in all four tournaments
“It's special for me, my brother and sister that the player of the year award is named after my dad, and obviously it's special to present it to Rory,” Javier Ballesteros said. “I think he's one of the all-time greats in global golf.
“I told him when I presented him with the trophy that it was special to watch him win his sixth Race to Dubai title at home, and to speak the way he spoke about my father afterwards. I had a few tears in my eyes when I saw him .”
The former world No. 1 was previously named player of the year in 2012, 2014 and 2015, and the award included the former golfer of the year award after the two accolades were merged in 2021 to become one accolade.
“It's special for me, my brother and sister that the player of the year award is named after my dad, and obviously it's special to present it to Rory,” Javier Ballesteros said. “I think he's one of the all-time greats in global golf.
“I told him when I presented him with the trophy that it was special to watch him win his sixth Race to Dubai title at home, and to speak the way he spoke about my father afterwards. I had a few tears in my eyes when I saw him .”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
An emotional Rory McIlroy couldn't hold back the tears after winning the Race to Dubai to equal Seva Ballesteros' Order of Merit
DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings added: “Rory's outstanding consistency and success in 2024 is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Seva Ballesteros. To win this award for the fourth time, voted for by his fellow colleagues, is a reflection of the admiration and respect he has in our sport.
“His performances last season, especially his sixth title in the Race to Dubai and his victories around the world, were nothing short of exceptional. Having Javier Ballesteros present the award in Dubai adds special significance, bringing the spirit of Seve to this moment.”
Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, majors and the best of women's golf live throughout 2025 on Sky Sports Golf. Don't have Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream without a contract on NOW.