The Masters wasn’t the only elusive honor Rory McIlroy was chasing in 2025 — nor is it the only one he’s now won.
McIlroy was awarded the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year on Thursday, an honor voted on by fans and bestowed upon the U.K. sportsperson who has made the greatest impact in the preceding year.
McIlroy — and the sport of golf — have had a complex relationship with the award; despite the U.K.’s prodigious golfing culture, entering this year’s awards just two golfers had won in its 70-year history, and McIlroy had suffered a couple different high-profile snubs.
But his emotional acceptance of the 2025 award made that feel like water under the bridge. This was a chance for McIlroy to reflect on arguably the most meaningful year of his storied career, a decade of ups and downs be damned.
“Wow,” McIlroy said as he took the stage. “First of all, I would like to congratulate all of the other finalists. I know how much hard work and dedication it takes, so it is a pleasure to just be in this room. I feel truly honored to just be a part of it.
