This week, Nicolai Hojgaard claimed the DP World Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai title for the second year in a row. The 22-year-old finished with an 8-under 64 at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course, which included a stretch of five straight birdies on the back nine – Nos. 13-17 – to beat Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace and Viktor Hovland by two shots. This was Hojgaard’s third DP World Tour title and first Rolex Series win.

Hojgaard’s victory came as a surprise to many, including McIlroy who tied for 22nd at 10 under. However, McIlroy sounded satisfied after winning yet another season-long title. “It means a lot,” he said. “It’s the sweetest one.” He added that it was a result of hard work put in over the last couple of years and that this year has been a really good year if he looks back on it. “The only thing I need was missing was a win,” he said, “and to get it this week, in this field, is unbelievable.”

McIlroy’s consistency throughout the season was highlighted by his win, which was his eighth season-long title between America and Europe. He also said that he didn’t think there were many people who could beat him throughout the entire season. Mattieu Pavon, Jon Rahm and Thirston Lawrence rounded out the top five at 17 under.