November 20, 2023 – Before a shot was even hit on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates Rory McIlroy already had secured his fifth Harry Vardon Trophy which is awarded to the player who tops the season-long order of merit on the DP World Tour. Following the conclusion of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa no one could catch him with just 2,000 points available to the winner of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

This week Rory, who was using a new driver, finished 10-under par with rounds of 71-72-65-70.

McIlroy claimed the title in just nine DP World Tour starts this season which included two Rolex Series victories at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Genesis Scottish Open, and in doing so, becomes the first player in the Race to Dubai era to secure the title before the final event.

He achieved this feat by being one of, if not, the most consistent player on the planet. Since he finished tied-seventh at the PGA Championship in May Rory, only finished outside of the top 10 twice, with three of his top 10’s coming in the Major Championships, including a runner up finish at the US Open. Rory has now joined the exclusive list of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson all of whom have at least seven top 10’s in all four Major Championships.

McIlroy played 34 rounds on the DP World Tour 2023 with a stroke average of 68.88, which is only 0.13 higher than last year which was the best since records began. He also ranked first in putts per GIR (1.69) and average putts per round (27.68), leading to an average of 4.65 birdies per round (also ranked tied first).

What’s in the golf bag of Rory McIlroy?

• Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9º)
• Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus 3 and 5 (15º and 19º)
• Irons: TaylorMade P760 (4); TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9)
• Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46°/SB, 50°/SB, 54°/SB, 60°/LB)
• Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast
• Golf Ball: TaylorMade TP5x