Rory McIlroy was understandably emotional when talking about how much winning a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title meant to “a proud European.”
But it was a question about his father, Gerry, that choked up the 37-year-old.
DP World Tour reporter Tim Barter asked a victorious McIlroy, “You father is recovering from health issues over in America. How much was he in your thoughts today?”
“A lot,” McIlroy responded, rubbing the side of his face, his voice becoming shaky. “Yeah, a lot.”
“He’s been in the hospital for the last two months. Underwent a huge operation at the end of September and he’s recovering well, thankfully,” McIlroy added.
“When I left to come up here to the Middle East, I went up to [the Cleveland Clinic] to see him before I went. And he said for me to go win the Race to Dubai. And uh ...”
With that, McIlroy tried his best to not break down and Barter helped him by saying how proud Gerry would be of his son, and ending the interview.
“Yeah,” McIlroy said, “this one’s for him.”