Rory McIlroy fought back tears after revealing that his father, Gerry, underwent a double-lung transplant and has spent the past two months in hospital. The disclosure came shortly after McIlroy matched Colin Montgomerie’s record by winning his eighth Race to Dubai title on Sunday.
The world No. 2 had just secured the DP World Tour’s order-of-merit crown for a fifth consecutive year in Dubai when he shared the news in a post-tournament interview. Gerry McIlroy, 67, underwent what his son described as a “huge operation” in September.
McIlroy later explained the full extent of the family’s ordeal, saying his father had been dealing with health problems for 18 months before a transplant became the “last resort.” Gerry is now recovering in a Cleveland hospital, where McIlroy visited him before travelling to the Middle East for the conclusion of the DP World Tour season.
“My dad is a massive part of my life and has always been my biggest supporter,” McIlroy said. “He is the one who got me into the game and encouraged me to follow my dreams and never give up. Obviously, it has been difficult.
“He had been living with this for 18 months, and it reached the point where the only option left was a transplant. He had a double-lung transplant in September. Thankfully, the operation was a success and he is recovering well.
“It has been a stressful time for our family. I have spent a lot of time in Cleveland because that is where he is. I was not even sure whether I would go to India last month because I spent nine days with him in intensive care while he recovered.
Rory McIlroy became emotional while discussing his father’s ongoing health battle on Sunday
Gerry McIlroy (left) has remained in a Cleveland hospital for two months after undergoing a “huge operation”
“If his condition had not been improving, I probably would not have felt comfortable travelling or being so far away. But he has an incredible medical team, and the doctors and nurses have been absolutely amazing.
“That gave me the confidence to go to India and continue travelling, knowing I could return if necessary. He was in the best possible hands.
“He has been making steady progress. I visited him a couple of weeks ago before leaving, and he said to me, ‘Rors, go and win me the Race to Dubai.’
“That stayed with me for the past two weeks. I really wanted to do it for him, knowing he would be watching from his hospital bed. It was special to get it done for him.”
McIlroy has a particularly close relationship with his father and has often spoken about the sacrifices Gerry made to help him reach the summit of professional golf.
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Gerry has supported Rory throughout his career, including during his historic Grand Slam triumph
Gerry and Rory continue to enjoy a friendly rivalry and regularly play golf together
McIlroy grew up as an only child in Holywood, Northern Ireland. His father worked several jobs to help fund his son’s development, while his mother, Rosie, also worked multiple jobs to support his golfing ambitions.
In 2024, McIlroy marked his father’s 65th birthday by playing the Old Course at St Andrews alongside him. The pair continue to share a competitive but affectionate rivalry on the golf course.
McIlroy fulfilled his father’s request by finishing second behind Tyrrell Hatton at the DP World Tour Championship. That result was enough to see him overtake Eugenio Chacarra and win the season-long points race on the final day.
The achievement carries considerable historical weight. Matching Montgomerie’s total of eight order-of-merit victories is an impressive feat in itself, particularly for McIlroy, who spends most of his season competing on the PGA Tour.
“Winning eight Order of Merits was never really one of my goals when I was growing up,” McIlroy said. “I remember Monty as a stalwart of the European Tour, watching him at the World Match Play at Wentworth over the years. I also remember playing with him for the first time at The London Club during the 2008 European Open.
McIlroy’s parents, Gerry and Rosie, worked several jobs to help finance his golf career
McIlroy embraces his father Gerry and mother Rosie after winning the Masters at Augusta in April 2026
“To draw level with him and win eight of these titles means the world to me. I am a very proud European player, and I am proud to be part of the DP World Tour.”
Hatton’s victory on the Earth Course brought an eventful season to a close. The Englishman finished third at the Masters before claiming a title on the LIV Golf circuit in June.
The 35-year-old’s response after LIV’s collapse has been notable. This was his ninth DP World Tour victory, coming a week after he finished runner-up in Abu Dhabi.
Hatton finished five shots clear of McIlroy with a 15-under-par total. “This is really special,” he said. “I was extremely nervous today. I did not tell anyone in my team, but I have experienced some heartbreak here and thought it might be a difficult day. I am incredibly proud. It feels great to win here.”
