Rory McIlroy wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Rory McIlroy has insisted he is still hungry for more titles despite winning the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award, beating England’s Rugby World Cup star Ellie Kildunne and new Formula One world champion Lando Norris to the prize, reports BritPanorama.
His victory at The Masters in April completed a career grand slam, making him the first European golfer to achieve this milestone. This success, along with his significant role in Europe’s first away Ryder Cup win in 13 years, positioned McIlroy as the odds-on favourite for the award.
The five-time major champion’s impressive year culminated in his win on Thursday, following a public vote. At 36 years old, he reflected on his remarkable journey, noting that he was just a baby when Sir Nick Faldo last won the award in 1989.
The night was also notable for the Ryder Cup squad, which won the Team of the Year award, determined by public vote for the first time. Following the ceremony, McIlroy returned to Florida, arriving early Thursday morning to prepare for Friday’s boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul.
McIlroy’s teammate Tommy Fleetwood acknowledged his achievements, stating McIlroy has “kind of completed golf” with his successes this year. Despite these accolades, McIlroy remains focused on future goals, particularly the record of eight DP World Tour Order of Merit titles held by Colin Montgomerie.
When asked about chasing this record, McIlroy acknowledged the competition, especially from Fleetwood, but expressed his desire to pursue it, saying he feels capable of competing at a high level. “I still feel like I’ve got a few good years in me. Knock on wood, I’ve been injury-free. I’m 36. I’ve been on tour for half my life, 18 years, but still feel the enthusiasm for the game,” he stated.
He added, “Majors, Order of Merit titles, more Ryder Cups – all that’s great. But as long as you feel like you can keep improving at the game, and have the hunger and the drive to try to keep getting better, that’s the most important thing.”
McIlroy expressed satisfaction with golf’s recognition at the awards, highlighting the significance of winning after a 36-year wait for an individual prize winner from the sport. He remarked, “This has been a great night for golf in general… tonight golf was recognised in such a big way with the team winning and then with my award.”
Reflecting on the competition, he noted a moment of apprehension when Norris made the final three. “I was like ‘oh, not an F1 driver again!’” he admitted. He acknowledged Norris’ achievement, stating that he would have been a deserving winner this year.
As the accolades accumulate, one thing is clear: McIlroy’s ambition remains undiminished, a reminder of how legends strive to write new chapters in a story still unfolding on the greens.
