Rory McIlroy to Attend BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Golfer Rory McIlroy has decided to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards this December in Manchester, marking his first attendance in ten years. This comes despite him forgetting he was nominated for last year’s ceremony.
McIlroy’s Successful 2025 Season
The Northern Irishman had an outstanding year, capturing the Masters title in a dramatic fashion and contributing significantly to Europe’s historic Ryder Cup victory.
Nomination and Attendance
Although the BBC SPOTY nominee list has not been officially released, McIlroy is expected to be shortlisted alongside competitors such as Luke Littler, Chloe Kelly, and Lando Norris.
“Whenever I saw the results, I forgot I was nominated. So that's how much I think about it. It's not what it once was.”
— Rory McIlroy, January 2024
Earlier in January 2024, McIlroy was openly dismissive of the award. However, he has since changed his stance, confirming his attendance at the live ceremony this December.
“Yeah, the plan is to go. I have more chance of winning if I’m actually there and I recognise that with the audience the show attracts it could only be a good thing for the game. I suppose if I don’t win it this time, I never will,”
— Rory McIlroy, in a conversation with Telegraph Sport
Historical Context
McIlroy faces tough odds, as no golfer has won the BBC award since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989. Even Matt Fitzpatrick missed the shortlist after winning the US Open in 2022.
Author's summary: Rory McIlroy, after a stellar 2025 and past indifference, will attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards hoping to secure a win that has eluded UK golfers for decades.