Words can sometimes paint a thousand pictures, so to help you relive what was a special season on The Race to Dubai, here's the best quotes from the 2014 campaign...
Rory McIlroy after sealing his second Race To Dubai title:
“It's a great feeling to know that I've played the best golf throughout the season of any of the guys for the second time in three years, it's really nice.”
Brooks Koepka after being named the 2014 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year:
“Looking back where I was two years ago, and then where I am today is special. So to win in Turkey and win Rookie of the Year is amazing.”
Henrik Stenson, when asked about whether he was nervous over the closing holes of his successful title defence at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai:
“No, I’m the Ice Man remember.”
Jamie Donaldson after sealing the winning point for Europe against Team USA at Gleneagles:
“It’s hard to describe how good it is. It’s just… there’s nothing else like it in golf. It’s just a total one-off. It’s a huge, huge thing, and it’s been amazing to be a part of it.”
Oliver Wilson predicting some big celebrations ahead after reigniting his career with a maiden European Tour title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship:
“I could be drunk for a while – I’ve had a lot of champagne on ice over the years!”
Nicolas Colsaerts, somewhat playing down his monster 447-yard, European Tour record-breaking drive on the 18th hole at the ISPS Handa Wales Open:
“The hole was playing downwind and I managed to get a good bounce.”
Alex Levy on winning his second event of the season at the weather-affected Portugal Masters:
“If at the start of the year you had said I would win two tournaments, I would say ‘never!’ to you. I played only four shots at the weekend and I won the tournament, but the most important thing is I have the trophy in my hand.”
Justin Rose after winning the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen:
“This a great tournament – there’s definitely something special about playing golf up here. The golfing crowd are so knowledgeable and I’ve really got to love this golf course.”
Rory McIlroy on his first victory at The European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship:
"It's been 18 months since I won on The European Tour and to win the flagship event, I could not have asked for any more.”
Thomas Bjørn after playing at the inaugural Made in Denmark – the first European Tour event held in his home country for 11 years:
“You can’t really describe the atmosphere this week. When you travel around the world then come home and play in front of your home crowds, it’s amazing.”
Graeme McDowell after making up the season’s biggest final day deficit to seal back-to-back Alstom Open de France titles in July:
"I’m very surprised – midway through my second glass of red wine last night, I really didn't think I'd be standing here with a trophy in my hands.”
Andy Sullivan after winning a trip to space courtesy of a hole-in-one during the final round of the KLM Open:
"My caddie just shouted 'we're going to space'. I'll have to pluck up some serious courage to go up there, but I'd love to do it.”
McIlroy after becoming just the third man in the modern era after Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus to win three Majors by the age of 25 at The Open Championship:
"The Open is the one that we all want and strive for and to be able to hold this Claret Jug is an incredible feeling. To be three legs towards the career grand slam at the age of 25 is a pretty good achievement. It's not going to sink in for a while."
McIlroy again, on his form heading into The 2015 Race to Dubai:
“I feel like I came through this year stronger and wiser, and I can go into 2015 in a much better place.
“I'm happy with the success I've had, and I feel like there's been a lot that I've learned this year, and that's a great thing going into the future.”
