Rory McIlroy says he is honoured to be "mentioned in the same breath" as Seve Ballesteros, after matching the Spaniard's haul of six Race to Dubai titles.

McIlroy secured the title for the third year running following his victory at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Sunday.

The four-time major winner finished two shots clear of Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard to seal his third triumph in the event.

"Everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players," an emotional McIlroy told Sky Sports.

"The European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes from Seve. We had a changing room with Seve's shirt from [1995], the last Ryder Cup he played.

"He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."

"I've been through a lot this year, professionally, personally, and it feels like the fitting end to 2024," added McIlroy, who narrowly lost out on the US Open title to Bryson DeChambeau.

"I've persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn't able to get it done. I'm really pleased with the way I finished and, thankfully, I hung on after a tough day and got the job done."

Rory McIlroy joins Seve Ballesteros with six Race to Dubai titlespic.twitter.com/npfVXenWTF

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 17, 2024