Rory McIlroy pays tribute to inaugural winner of annual award named after him

Aaron Rai has been confirmed as the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy award, in recognition of the Englishman's performances across the four major championships in 2026.

The new annual trophy, named in honour of Europe's first winner of the career grand slam, is presented to the DP World Tour member who cumulatively earns the most Race to Dubai points from the Masters Tournament, US PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open.

Rai made his major breakthrough in style at the US PGA Championship in May, becoming the first Englishman in 107 years to lift the Wannamaker Trophy after a sublime back nine display at Aronimink Golf Club.

He preceded that memorable week with a 48th place finish in The Masters, followed by tied 11th at the U.S. Open and tied 79th at The Open, for a total of 1876.5 Race to Dubai points across the four events.

Kiwi Ryan Fox narrowly missed out on the inaugural Rory McIlroy award after joining Rai as a first time major winner earlier this month when he lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale. 

Fox accumulated 1834 points across the four Majors, just 42.5 points fewer than Rai.

Rai's US PGA Championship victory took him to a career-high 15th on the Official World Golf Ranking and the four-time DP World Tour winner remained within the top 20 at the conclusion of The Open Championship.

McIlroy said: "I'm delighted that Aaron's achievements this season have been recognised as he becomes the first recipient of the Rory McIlroy award. 

"His performance down the stretch on Sunday at Aronimink was truly impressive, and it would be difficult to find anyone who wasn’t pleased for him.

"He's always been known on the DP World Tour as a hardworking and talented player, and even more so as a fantastic person, so it's been a pleasure to see what he has done in recent years and particularly this season."

Rai said he was honoured to be the first recipient of the award. 

He added: "Rory is an inspiration to so many people, including myself. 

"His golf game speaks volumes but the person he is and the way he conducts himself is equally as inspiring.

"For many years, my focus has been on working hard and continually developing my game. 

"I'm very fortunate to be able to compete on the DP World Tour and continue to relish the opportunities to do so.

"To be honoured with this award which recognises major championship performances on the DP World Tour and for it to be in honour of Rory really means a lot to me."

Guy Kinnings, DP World Tour chief executive, said: "Many congratulations to Aaron for securing this accolade in what has already been a wonderful season for him thus far. 

"His achievement at the US PGA Championship was another great moment for European golf, and we are delighted to be able to recognise that with the inaugural Rory McIlroy award.

"There has been a lot to celebrate this year with Aaron, Ryan – and Rory's own achievement at Augusta - ensuring that, for the first time in 15 years, three of the four major titles in 2026 were earned by DP World Tour members. 

"We look forward to the trio, alongside other global stars, gracing many of our tournaments to come between now and the end of the season."

Rai will be presented with the award in person by McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship in September.

The Rory McIlroy award has taken its place alongside the European Tour Group's four other prestigious annual awards named after players who have made a hugely significant contribution to the sport of golf: Seve Ballesteros, Harry Vardon, Sir Henry Cotton and John Jacobs.

The Seve Ballesteros award is presented annually to the member voted players' Player of the Year and the Harry Vardon Trophy to the Race to Dubai winner, while the rookie of the year receives the Sir Henry Cotton award. 

As this new award is named in his honour, McIlroy is ineligible to win the trophy himself. 

Instead, it will be awarded annually to members seeking to replicate his achievements in golf's four biggest individual tournaments.