The latest golf news from Mirror Sport after Rory McIlroy lost out to Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship
It was an emotionally-fuelled weekend for Rory McIlroy at the DP World Tour Championship. The Northern Irishman missed out on winning the title for a fourth time when losing out to Matt Fitzpatrick in a thrilling play-off battle.
But with the loss came a victory for the 36-year-old who captured his fourth Race to Dubai title in a row, and seventh in total. The triumph was somewhat a bittersweet one for the Masters champion who had to keep his emotions in check.
Alongside McIlroy’s win, golf witnessed the surprising retirement of one star while six-time major champion Phil Mickelson showed his true colours in a brief statement made on social media. Mirror Sport takes a look at all the latest golf news hitting the headlines.
McIlroy’s emotional comments
McIlroy may have missed out on the DP World Tour Championship, but he accrued yet another milestone in his illustrious career on Sunday. In winning his seventh Race to Dubai title, the Northern Irishman leapfrogged golf icon Seve Ballesteros who won six.
Despite it being a happy occasion, the 36-year-old was forced to hold back tears when speaking about his achievement after admitting he spoke to the Spaniard’s widow. Speaking to Sky Sports, McIlroy said: “It’s amazing, I had a conversation with his [Ballesteros] wife Carmen before I went out to play today and she told me how proud he would have been.
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“I said this on this green last year, he means so much to this tour and to the European Ryder Cup team. We rally so much around his spirit and his quotes and everything he meant for European golf. To equal him last year was cool but to pass him this year… didn’t get this far in my dreams. It’s very cool.”
Shock retirement
Despite being just 30 years of age, LPGA star Elizabeth Szokol stunningly called time on her career following her participation at The Annika. The American golfer had only finished completing the second round at Pelican Golf Club before revealing his decision to retire.
Szokol missed the cut at the tournament by one stroke but admitted she was grateful to be in familiar surroundings with her loved ones present in what was her final tournament as a pro. Speaking after the event, which was won by Linn Grant, she said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been nine years playing, which is pretty crazy.
“It was great to retire at home, a golf course I’m a member of, and had so many family and friends out today. So it was pretty special. Would’ve liked one more putt to go in, but that’s all right. I can look back at a successful career.”
Szokol cited injuries and the constant travel as reasons behind her decision to retire, revealing she came to terms with her choice in July. She explained: “I’ve had a lot of lingering injuries, and the travel got a bit old for me, so I just kind of missed being home,” she explained.
“I would say in July I pretty much made my decision, but knew probably the last two years it was likely going to be my last year playing. July kind of solidified it.”
Mickelson’s true colours
It was in 2022 that Laurie Canter left the DP World Tour in order to sign with LIV Golf, joining the mass exodus of players who opted to turn out for the Saudi-backed series. However, it was in 2024 that his time on the rival tour came to an end after he was replaced as a wild card by Anthony Kim.
He then returned to the DP World Tour later that year, winning two titles before finishing with a score of -12 at the DP World Tour Championship. The Englishman, 36, was one of 10 DP World Tour players who earned their PGA Tour card for 2026 on Sunday, while in Canter’s case it was a re-gaining of the card.
Upon the news, it was six-time major champion and LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson who congratulated his former colleague on the achievement. ‘Lefty’ took to X and wrote: “He has worked endlessly on his game and his success is well deserved.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.