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Moments before Rory McIlroy was named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, and the cream of British sport rose to applaud him, a nervy thought raced through his mind. “I was, like, not an F1 driver again … ” he said.
This time, though, there was no late twist. Lando Norris was unable to emulate Lewis Hamilton, who had pipped McIlroy when the Northern Irishman was a warm favourite in 2014. And with Europe’s Ryder Cup winners also being named team of the year, a delighted McIlroy was able to reflect on blockbuster night for him and his sport.
“This has been a great night for golf,” he said. “There’s been golfers that have been up for this award that haven’t quite done it, and I’ve been one of them in the past. But golf was recognised in such a big way, with the team winning and then with my award. It’s a big night for golf, and hopefully we can build upon that.”
But rather than celebrate at the aftershow party, McIlroy was already focusing on his next sporting adventure. Having played in the Golf Channel Games in Florida on Wednesday, and flown to the UK for the awards, he was heading straight back to the sunshine state to watch Anthony Joshua’s fight with Jake Paul.
“It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours,” said McIlroy. “I landed here today, went straight to the Stick to Football studio and did that with the boys. Hopping on a plane on Friday, I’m going to the AJ-Jake Paul fight in Miami. So I’ve sort of been here, there, and everywhere, but I’m looking forward to a little bit of downtime over Christmas.”
However, McIlroy said that he has no plans to rest on his laurels, despite completing the career grand slam with victory at Augusta in April. “I still feel like I’ve got a few good years in me,” he said. “Knock on wood, I’ve been injury-free. I’ve been on tour for half my life, 18 years, but still feel the enthusiasm for the game.
“More majors, order of merit titles, Ryder Cups, 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.”
Meanwhile Tommy Fleetwood, who was on stage to receive Europe’s team of the year award, also lauded golf’s remarkable night – and his great friend’s achievement.
“Those are the times and memories that will live with us for ever so to get the public’s recognition for that is really cool,” he said. “We’re very lucky. And to be there watching Rory pick that up, I think he deserves it so much. He’s had such a phenomenal career and a phenomenal year. So to see how happy he was stood on stage, and to be there with him, that was amazing.”
When reminded that McIlroy was only the third golfer to win the award in its 71-year history, Fleetwood smiled before quipping: “Not a very popular bunch are we!”
Fleetwood hopes to finally win his first major next year but he knows McIlroy still thirsts for more success despite having “completed golf” at the Masters.
“As long as you want to be the best you can be, and you’re still motivated, you’ll find things that you want to improve,” the 34-year-old said. “Goals come and go. There are things that motivate you, things you want to achieve, things that inspire you. It’s easier for me than it is for Rory McIlroy, probably at the moment. He has kind of completed golf. But I’m sure he’s got a lot more that he wants to do.”
Before McIlroy left, there was one final question. As a huge Manchester United fan, he has been asked to parade his trophies at Old Trafford in the past. So could he be persuaded to do it again after his Masters and Spoty triumphs?
“As long as they stop conceding four goals at home,” he replied. “The last United game I watched was the Europa League final in Bilbao and I was, like: ‘Why did I fly all this way to watch this?’ But they’re getting better. There’s a few encouraging signs there. There’s a little bit of optimism around.”
Not everyone will agree. But after a 2025 for the ages, it’s no wonder that McIlroy is looking on the bright side.
