Rory McIlroy is now targeting Colin Montgomerie's record of eight Order of Merit titles after clinching his seventh on Sunday.

McIlroy finished top of the Race to Dubai standings for the fourth consecutive year, and seventh overall, despite a dramatic play-off loss to Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship.

The Northern Irishman forced the extra holes after a stunning 15-foot eagle on the last hole equalled Fitzpatrick's clubhouse lead of 18-under, only for him to find the water and then miss his par putt in the play-off.

However, second place was good enough for McIlroy, as Tyrrell Hatton – his closest competitor in the Race to Dubai – could only finish tied for 14th at Jumeirah Golf Estates, six shots off the winner.

McIlroy is now just one title behind Montgomerie's record, and he already has that landmark in his sights.

"To surpass [Seve Ballesteros, who had six titles] this year, I did not get this far in my dreams," McIlroy told Sky Sports.

"I want it [to match Montgomerie]. Of course, I do – when you get that close.

"I caught up with Monty a couple of days ago, and look, it seems within touching distance now.

Rory McIlroy wins the Race to Dubai for a SEVENTH time pic.twitter.com/w3198RCh6I

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 16, 2025

"I was the first European to win the [career] grand slam, and I would love to be the European with the most wins in terms of the Order of Merit and season-long races.

"I have hopefully got a few more good years left in me, and hopefully I can catch him and surpass him."

McIlroy was also full of praise for his Ryder Cup team-mate Fitzpatrick's performance in the final round.

"I got off to the perfect start. Three under through five, four under through seven, and I felt like I had taken control of the tournament," McIlroy said.

"I was a couple ahead, and then I made two bogeys on the way in and didn't birdie 14 and 15, the birdie holes, and knew I needed something to happen on the last.

"I knew what I needed to do. I was lucky to see Rasmus [Hojgaard] putt before me, so got a bit of a read.

"It was a great way to finish and summon up what I needed to, to make the play-off, but unfortunately, it went into the water in the play-off and put me behind the eight ball.

"I am happy for Matt. He has had a great end of the season. He played great to get on the Ryder Cup team and has played great since as well."