Rory McIlroy wanted this season to be a little different than the previous one, hoping to lift the Major trophy. Unfortunately for him, the Northern Irishman will have to wait until next year for such a feat.
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The 34-year-old golfer was impressive this season in various moments, but then when it was crucial, Rory failed to stay calm and concentrated, failing to celebrate in the end. However, the phenomenal end of the season for him, and the victory in Dubai, i.e. winning the DP World Tour Final, worked on him in a way that made Rory forget all the negative things.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Rory revealed that such a victory means a lot to him. It'samazing that McIlroy celebrated in Dubai for the third year in a row.
The year behind him is not only difficult because of the lack of luck on golf courses, but also because of the entire chaos surrounding his marriage.
Namely, Rory and his wife Erica Stoll were about to divorce after Rory filed the divorce papers. However, a few weeks later they solved the problems and decided not to take such a step again.
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In an interview with the media, McIlroy admitted that he had difficult moments this year. In the end, he's glad that he was able to overcome all obstacles and problems, and at least celebrate at this tournament for consolation.
"It means a lot," McIlroy said.
"Ive been through a lot this year personally, professionally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. Look, Ive persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasnt able to get it done, so to be able to get over the line I got off to a great start, and then I didnt have the best around the middle of the round."
The Northern Irishman didn't forget to mention his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy, who were his greatest support in this tournament. The 34-year-old stressed that their support is the most important for him. Daughter Poppy is still a kid, and she probably doesn't understand how important her father is in the world of golf, but on the other hand, she is the person who, together with her mother, gives a huge wind at Rory's back.
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By winning, McIlroy wanted to show his daughter that there are reasons why he's often not there, considering that he's practicing or working. Rory couldn't hide his delight at the victory, wanting to celebrate the victory with his wife and daughter.
"Their support means the world to me," -McIlroy continued.
"To be able to show Poppy what happened today and maybe some of the reasons why Im not around all of the time because Im working or practicing its incredible that they were here with me this week, and Im excited to go celebrate with them."
Rory McIlroy: Responding to each rumor is a fool's game
In the middle of this year, Rory was under enormous pressure, so he tried to put as little emphasis on his private life as possible. The reporters, on the other hand, had no mercy, and before every performance, they wanted to get something out of McIlroy. Rory, on the other hand, admitted to journalists a few weeks after the rumors that he managed to fix his issues with his wife, wanting to continue their life together.
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Such news pleased the fans of Rory, who expected that he would improve his form after all. Although he had great performances, it's clear that the Northern Irishman can do much more. We have no doubt that next year he'll show it, and silence the critics who have been complaining about the absence of the Major for years.
"Responding to each rumor is a fool's game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning."-Rory said in June of this year.
One of the reasons why Rory and Erica Stoll decided to resolve their difference is their daughter, Poppy, who would stand out the most in that case. Stoll and McIlroy were open to reconciliation and obviously wanted to work on their marriage. Judging by Rory's victory and the reactions after the victory, it's clear they made the right move.
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McIlroy seemed happy, and immediately after the victory he went to hug his wife and also his daughter. In his speech after the victory, Rory was quite emotional, telling his wife and daughter that he loved them.
A difficult year behind him, it must be admitted, but certainly also a year in which he had the chance to learn a lot, and to understand what life can bring. Such experiences will surely strengthen him and prepare him for what follows.
