The DP World Tour has announced the establishment of the “Rory McIlroy Award” to commemorate the Northern Ireland golfer’s success in the majors.
McIlroy is not eligible for the new award, which will reward European players for their best performances at this year’s four majors.
Following his success at the Masters earlier this year, McIlroy became the sixth player – and the first European – to complete a career Grand Slam.
The first winner of the award will be crowned at the 2026 Open Championship.
McIlroy is the fifth player to win a European Tour award named after him, following Seve Ballesteros, Harry Vardon, Sir Henry Cotton and John Jacobs.
“It’s a huge honor and very humbling to be able to have it named after you and present it to future generations of players,” McIlroy said.
“It certainly means a lot to me because the DP World Tour is where my career started. I’ve always loved playing in it and, of course, representing Europe and the Tour in the Ryder Cup.
“I am extremely proud to be the first European to achieve a career Grand Slam. The Grand Slam represents the pinnacle of our sport and I hope my success will inspire other DP World Tour members to chase and achieve their dreams in the coming years.
“I look forward to seeing who becomes the first recipient of this new award in 2026, it will be another very proud moment for me personally to present them with the trophy.”
McIlroy, meanwhile, believes staying away from sports politics has improved his golf and personal well-being.
At the height of the divisiveness at LIV Golf, the Northern Irishman found himself the unofficial spokesperson for the PGA Tour, answering questions about the Tour at every event and participating in behind-the-scenes discussions as a member of the Tour’s policy committee.
But since stepping down in November 2023, McIlroy has taken a backseat, winning seven times, including a major victory at the Masters.
“It definitely makes me happier from a golf standpoint, being away from politics and being closely involved,” McIlroy said.
“When I was on the board, I got leads, I talked to people, I got different opinions, but at the same time I felt like it took away from some of the other things I wanted to do with my life.
“You can’t have all the plates spinning at the same time, so something has to give. If you look at my golf since then, it’s been a pretty good performance.
“I’m clear-headed and basically free of all the politics in golf, and I can focus on playing the game and giving myself competitive joy by playing the tournaments I want to play.
“Having more time to enjoy myself and do the things I want to do besides golf, travel with my family and take my daughter to see different parts of the world is a really beautiful part of life.”
McIlroy is chasing a fourth Dubai Dubai title this week and a seventh Order of Merit, which would overtake Seve Ballesteros and put him just one spot behind Colin Montgomerie.
Marco Penge and Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton are the only two players who can stop him at the DP World Tour Championship.
Despite being based in the United States, McIlroy remains close to the DP World Tour, which he still considers “home”, and called on other players to “step up” in their support.
McIlroy added: “With the current fragmentation of the men’s professional game, this tour needs all its star players to step up and compete in the big events.”
“I feel like it’s my responsibility to do that and try to make this tour as strong as possible.”
Another star, Tommy Fleetwood, last week defended himself against accusations of gaming.
The Southport golfer was criticized by TV commentators after leaving fellow Briton and eventual champion Aaron Rai on the tee for a play-off at the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi.
“I think it’s disappointing. I want everyone to know that I wouldn’t do something like that, and I think the same goes for Aaron’s world,” he said.
“We left the 18th hole and I really wanted to go to the bathroom… I ran to the bathroom; I ran to the tee box.”
DP World has extended its title sponsorship of the tour until 2035.
