Rory McIlroy wins Race to Dubai And the DP World Tour finale
The Northern Irishman finished two strokes ahead of Hojgaard on 15 under at Jumeirah Golf Estates after a three-under-par 69 in his final round.
McIlroy, 35, was confirmed as the Race to Dubai winner midway through his round when nearest challenger Thriston Lawrence - who had needed to win the tournament to have any chance of clinching the overall title - finished at one under.
It is the third year in succession that McIlroy has topped the tour's season rankings and his sixth title overall - matching Seve Ballesteros' record.
"Everyone knows what Seve means to European golf and Ryder Cup players," an emotional McIlroy told Sky Sports.
"The European Ryder Cup locker room, all we have are quotes from Seve. We had a changing room with Seve's shirt from '95, the last Ryder Cup he played.
"He means so much to European golf and for me to be mentioned in the same breath, I'm very proud."
Sharing a three-way lead at the start of the final round, McIlroy put two shots between himself and Hojgaard with four birdies in his first five holes.
But bogeys on the ninth and 13th allowed the Dane to draw level with four holes remaining.
Just as Hojgaard was piling on the pressure, McIlroy produced a stunning approach shot on the 16th to tee up a birdie putt.
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