McIlroy emulates Donald to capture Euro and American double
WORLD No1 Rory McIlroy hailed “the icing on the cake” of a historic season after his third place finish in Singapore saw him complete the European and US money list double.
South African Louis Oosthuizen’s failure to win the Singapore Open ensured McIlroy can no longer be caught in the Race to Dubai, the European Tour’s order of merit, with two tournaments remaining.
It saw the Northern Irishman, who had already clinched the PGA Tour crown, emulate Englishman’s Luke Donald’s feat of last year, when he became the first man to officially win both money lists.
“It really is hugely satisfying to finally become the European No1,” said the 23-year-old, who won his second Major at the US PGA in August. “Winning a second Major already made it a fabulous season, but then to follow Luke Donald in becoming No1 in both Europe and the States is the icing on the cake.”
McIlroy’s success means he has claimed the European and American double when five months younger than former world No1 Tiger Woods, who first unofficially topped both lists in 1999.
The Ryder Cup star hopes to add to his five titles this year before the season is out, and has ambitions of matching the achievements of 14-time Major winner Woods, Colin Montgomerie and Jack Nicklaus.
“Monty won eight Order of Merits in his prime, so there is plenty of ground to make up,” McIlroy added. “Also Jack Nicklaus won 18 Majors, so they will still be my main focus.”
2012 MONEY LISTS
European Tour
1. Rory McIlroy (NIR), €3,696,597
2. Peter Hanson (SWE), €2,642,524
3. Justin Rose (ENG), €2,566,323
PGA Tour
1. Rory McIlroy (NIR), $8,047,952
2. Tiger Woods (US), $6,133,158
3. Brandt Snedeker (US), $4,989,739