Lee Westwood of England became Europe’s No. 1 golfer on Sunday after winning the Dubai World Championship by 6 strokes.
Westwood shot a course-record 8-under 64 in the final round at the Earth Course to finish at 23-under 265.
He earned $1.25 million with the 31st victory of his career to overtake Rory McIlroy on the season-long money list and win the European Tour’s first Race to Dubai since it changed from the European Order of Merit.
Ross McGowan of England was second after a 68, and McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, shot a 67 to finish third on 273.
The 36-year-old Westwood’s $1.5 million bonus for finishing atop the money list took his total European Tour earnings to $6,376,984. McIlroy was next with $5,432,358.
Westwood, who won the European Order of Merit in 2000, couldn’t hold back tears after finishing his round.