Rory McIlroy was in tears after joining Seve Ballesteros on six order of merit titles in Dubai on Sunday. There can be no doubt the late, great conquistador would have been impressed with the way the Northern Irishman hauled himself out of a hole of his own digging to make it a double celebration.

Rory McIlroy has capped off a tumultuous year with another win in Dubai and another title as Europe's No. 1 player.

I’ve been through a lot this year,” McIlroy said after taking the DP World Tour finale and securing its seasonlong title.