Rory McIlroy had sealed success in a fifth Race to Dubai triumph without hitting a shot heading into this week’s final event in the DP World Tour season.

The DP World Tour has advised in media ‘victory’ briefing notes ahead of the conclusion to today’s Nedbank Challenge that McIlroy will be the 2023 Tour No. 1 as none of those in contention at Sun City could earn enough that would take the ‘Race’ to the final event of the year later this week at Jumeirah Estates.

McIlroy first captured the Race to Dubai title in 2012 and finished No. 1 again top in 2014, 2015 and last year.

Make that 5 as Rory McIlroy has been confirmed as 2023 DP World Tour No. 1 without hitting a shot at this week’s Race to Dubai final. (Image – DPWT/Getty)

He currently leads the Race to Dubai with 5164 ranking points and that’s 2083 points ahead of the present second ranked and reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm.

With 2,000 ranking points being awarded to the winner next Sunday not even Rahm, should he successfully defend his Dubai title, could go past McIlroy.

McIlroy spoke (Irish Times) about capturing a fifth R2D title saying: “Winning the Race to Dubai title for the fifth time is an incredible honour and another important milestone in my career.

“Capturing the Ryder Cup in Rome was a highlight this year and adding this title makes it all the more special”.

And it’s not lost on McIlroy the possibilithy now of breaking Scot Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight European No.1 money list titles.

McIlroy said:  “I still have distance to cover to reach Colin’s tally in the order of merit.

“Though it does inspire me to give it my best in the upcoming years”.

McIlroy’s DP World Tour year has been highlighted by wins at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Genesis Scottish along with second at the US Open and third at the WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship while just competing in nine Tour counting events..

Well done Rors from GolfByTourMiss