Rory McIlroy's Decision to Attend BBC SPOTY Awards
Rory McIlroy has decided to attend next month's Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards, despite previously criticizing the BBC award. This will be his first attendance at the ceremony in over a decade.
McIlroy’s Past Views on SPOTY
The Northern Irish golfer has not always valued the SPOTY award highly. His best finish was as runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in 2014, even though he had won back-to-back majors and became the first UK golfer to achieve this in modern times.
Reasons for Attending in 2025
McIlroy, who completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April, shared his thoughts with the Telegraph:
"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."
Previous Criticism and Absence
In December 2023, McIlroy chose not to attend the ceremony despite being one of the six contenders, following his role in inspiring Ryder Cup success for Team Europe and winning the Scottish Open. His absence was marked by strong criticism of the SPOTY award.
Goal at SPOTY
The Masters champion aims to become the first golfer since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989 to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.