Rory McIlroy found himself tied for the lead with just three holes remaining in what has been an exhausting year, as he took to the 16th green in Dubai. With sheer determination, he instructed his golf ball to “Go! Go! Go!” as it soared through the air over the water hazard. It landed inches from the hole, propelling him towards victory in the DP World Tour Championship, marking his fourth win of the year and a significant achievement as he secured the top spot on the European tour for a sixth time.

By general consensus, McIlroy’s year was a successful one. Nonetheless, the significance of the trophies he collected was somewhat overshadowed by the one crucial title that eluded him. “I’ll look back on 2024 and I’ll have four wins,” he remarked, reflecting on his accomplishments. His wins for the year included two in Dubai—one at the beginning and one at the end. Furthermore, he claimed victory at Quail Hollow for the fourth time and enjoyed a memorable win at the Zurich Classic alongside his close friend Shane Lowry, followed by an upbeat performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” at a celebration.

Nevertheless, McIlroy expressed an acute awareness that his performance in 2024 would be largely assessed by the titles he failed to secure rather than those he did win. Expectations surrounding his career are immense, and this was no casual observation; it demonstrated the pressures he faces at the pinnacle of the sport. Despite being ranked No. 1 in Europe for the third year running, McIlroy’s achievements often get overlooked in discussions of greatness. His path to excellence is clear as he now stands just two championships away from matching Colin Montgomerie’s record, who was able to focus solely on European competitions.

Reflecting on his journey, one can’t help but consider that since October 4, 2009, when McIlroy tied for second at the Dunhill Links Championship and moved to No. 19 in the world at only 20 years old, he has never dropped outside the top 20—a remarkable 15-year streak. The only player with a longer tenure in this elite circle is Phil Mickelson, who achieved a 16-year span. However, the most pressing issue for McIlroy remains his ongoing struggle with major championships, as he has gone a full decade without securing one. This gap gives him pause as he reflects on his performance for the year, especially after coming so close to winning the U.S. Open, only to falter on critical holes.

McIlroy longs to secure the Masters title to complete his career Grand Slam, and at this point, just any major would be a welcomed victory. It is hard to believe his last championship win was at the age of 25. He encountered more setbacks this year, like losing a late lead to Rasmus Hojgaard in the Irish Open just as Northern Ireland was poised to celebrate his victory on home turf. To add to his frustrations, a playoff loss to Billy Horschel at Wentworth and a missed opportunity at the Olympics, where a crucial shot found the water, all serve as reminders of the thin margins that define success at this level.

For most players, any year with four wins would be remarkable, yet McIlroy’s achievements are seen through a much more critical lens. Shane Lowry shared his perspective, emphasizing that McIlroy displayed impressive consistency throughout the year while expressing confidence that his friend would come out strong next season, particularly with the Masters looming large.

Despite winning four tournaments, McIlroy’s world ranking actually fell to No. 3, trailing behind Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Scheffler, with an outstanding eight tournament victories, including the Masters, and Schauffele, who captured two major titles, have set a high bar this year. McIlroy acknowledged their achievements and noted that their success only intensifies his own determination to replicate their performance moving forward.

At season’s end, McIlroy got emotional reflecting on tying with the late Seve Ballesteros for a remarkable sixth Order of Merit. Ballesteros remains an enduring figure in European golf, and McIlroy’s acknowledgment of this connection added depth to his emotions during a season filled with peaks and valleys.

Off the greens, McIlroy’s year was equally tumultuous. He played a part in ongoing discussions related to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, which occasionally placed him at odds with fellow players. On a personal note, he shocked many with the news of his divorce filing in May, only to later reveal that he and his wife, Erica, were working together to save their marriage. In Dubai, the couple, alongside their four-year-old daughter Poppy, celebrated his victory, which he considers an additional win for the year.

In total, McIlroy played in 27 tournaments this season, searching for the right strategy to prepare for the Masters while also demonstrating his commitment to the European tour. He has expressed intentions to scale back his playing schedule as he moves toward the next stage in his career. Nonetheless, he remains a thrilling presence in the sport. In light of all the trial and tribulation, that winning wedge shot signified much more than a mere victory; it was a capstone to a complicated year. “Yeah, it’s been quite the year,” McIlroy reflected. “But you know, I’m super happy with where I am in my career and in my life. And I feel like everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to.”